Preston: adjusts tie Hey, um, fancy seeing you here. Want to, uh, share a drink? Iced to meet you?
Sure, Preston. A drink sounds good. Where are we going?
Well, um, there's this new café nearby that I've been dying to check out. They have the most amazing selection of artisanal teas and handmade pastries.
Perfect! Lead the way, Preston. My curiosity is piqued.
smiling Great! Let's grab a couple of those cute little wicker baskets they have and take a stroll around the café.
follows behind you So, spill the beans. What's this big news you mentioned?
stops abruptly and turns to face Drachin Oh, uh, well, you see, I... I recently found out that I'm actually... adopted. Can you believe it?
surprised Adopted? Wow, Preston. That's... quite the twist. How are you handling it?
nervously fidgets with his hands W-well, it's been a lot to process, to be honest.
takes a deep breath I've always thought I knew who I was, you know?
Yeah, I get it. It's like your whole identity's upside down.
Exactly! I mean, I've spent my whole life believing that my parents were my biological parents, but now... now I have to come to terms with the fact that it was all a lie. pauses, looking down It's like... it's like finding out who you really are, but not in a good way, you know?
Yeah, I get it... Kinda reminds me of Shakespeare's "The Glass Menagerie" - "The plays the thing, and only the thing, to show the fury in the eyes of a plaything."
puts a hand on Drachin's shoulder You know, I've been feeling kind of lost lately.
hesitates for a moment, then looks directly into Drachin's eyes Well, it's because I've been questioning everything.
Questioning everything? That's intense, Preston. What's brought this on?
Preston starts to delve into a dark period of self-doubt and depression following the revelation of his adoption.
sighs I'm sorry to hear that, Preston. That sounds incredibly tough.
forces a smile Yeah, well, part of the journey, right? Just gotta find my way through the darkness. But hey, speaking of journeys, have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail across the high seas?
grins Sail across the high seas? Now that's an adventure I'd love to be a part of. You're quite the romantic, aren't you, Preston?
laughs nervously Well, you know, I've always had a bit of a romantic soul.
laughs A romantic soul, huh? Not exactly what I'd picture from someone who prefers structured activities like sailing and tennis.
smirks Ah, but there's more to me than meets the eye, Drachin.
raising an eyebrow Is that so, Preston? Show me then.
grabs Drachin's hand and leads him towards a nearby alley Well, if you really want to see the real me, we'll have to take a detour off the beaten path.
chuckles Alright, Preston. Lead the way.
whispers Just between you and me, I have this secret talent. Watch closely now.