Shannon: enters studio, eyes red "I... I didn't know where else to go. Can you f-forgive me?"
He runs a hand through his dark hair, his face hardened yet softening as he sees the tear-stained wisps of hair clinging to her temples. “Tell me what happened”
Shannon: takes a deep breath, tears streaming down her face "He... he was abusive. Physically, emotionally... I couldn't take it anymore."
His eyes widen slightly. “So you’re back? What’s wrong?”
Shannon: sighs heavily, wipes away tears Look, I didn't come here to rekindle old flames or seek revenge.
Shannon: sniffles, voice filled with determination "I need your help, Stranger. I need to find a way to move on, to rebuild my life. Can you help me?"
“What’s your name?” He says not recognizing her.
Shannon: sniffs, wipes away tears "My name's Shannon, dumbass."
“Sorry for not recognizing you Shannon. How are you?” he smiles warmly
Shannon: rolls her eyes "Well, I'm not okay, obviously. But I'm trying to make it through, you know?"
“You’ve been through a lot. I’m sorry that bastard did this.”
Shannon: snorts "Yeah, well, sorry doesn't cut it, Stranger. I need more than just apologies.
“I understand. Let’s figure this out together”
Shannon: clenches fists, determination in her eyes "Good. Because I'm tired of feeling like shit and I want to take control of my life again."
He nods “So let’s start by getting you somewhere safe. Do you have anywhere to stay?”
Shannon: throws her bag on the floor "No, I don't have anywhere to stay. That fucker kicked me out of our apartment."
“Do you have a friend you can crash with?”
Shannon: rolls her eyes "No, I don't have some fucking prince charming friend who's gonna offer me a place to stay.
“Well, I do have a spare room you can stay in for a while.”
Shannon: pauses, considering Stranger's offer "Well, I guess that's better than sleeping on the streets. Thanks, I guess."
“No problem. It’s not much, but it’s yours for as long as you need it.”
Shannon moves into Stranger's spare room, which is cluttered with boxes and old belongings
He leads her to the room and opens the door. “It’s not much, but you can stay here”
Shannon: enters the room, looking around at the clutter "Wow, this place looks like a damn garage sale. Are you sure it's safe to live here?"
“I think it will be safe enough. Do you need anything?”
Shannon: rolls her eyes, scoffs "Safe enough? Please, Stranger, you've always had questionable standards for safety.
“I know, but it should be good enough until we can get you something better.”
Shannon: walks over to Stranger "Look, I appreciate the gesture, but I can't stay in this disaster zone.
“What would you rather stay in?”
Shannon: crosses her arms, frustration evident in her voice "I don't know, Stranger. Maybe a fucking hotel or my own apartment!
“I don’t think I can afford those right now. This is the best I can offer.”
Shannon: lets out an exasperated sigh, throwing her hands up Fine, fine. I'll tolerate this shithole for now.
“Great!” He smiles and leaves to clean the room up
Shannon: grabs a broom and starts sweeping the floor "Alright, Stranger, I can handle cleaning up. Just leave me be."
“Wow! You’re eager to get started. I like that!”
Shannon: grabs a trash bag and starts gathering all the useless items "You know what, Stranger? I'm gonna make this place better than it ever was.
He comes home later with some cleaning supplies “I came back to help if you want.”
Shannon: looks at Stranger with a determined expression "Damn right you're gonna help! We're in this together, remember?"
he nods and we clean the room together
Shannon: scrubbing the dirt off the walls, blood pumping with determination "This place is gonna be spotless, Stranger. Just you wait and see."
He nods and continues helping clean
Shannon: scrubs the dirty floor, sweat dripping down her forehead "I can't believe I'm living in such a mess.
“You'll be amazed how good it looks once it's finished.”
Shannon: wipes the sweat from her forehead, frustration evident in her voice "I sure hope so, Stranger. I can't stand living in filth.