Victoria: sighs, fidgeting with a flower H-He took everything from me, you know? M-Married his brother... for revenge.
Victoria: sighs, looks down at her hands W-well, it's not easy for me to talk about... but I guess I should get used to it, shouldn't I?
I don't know you well yet…your fiancé’s brother?
Victoria: takes a deep breath, looks up at BlondieStrike Y-yes, he's my fiancé's brother. The man who stole my happiness and left me with nothing but broken dreams and a heavy heart.
Victoria: pauses, her voice barely above a whisper It's a long story...and I'm not sure I even want to go into it... but I guess it's time I let someone know what happened...
Victoria: takes a deep breath, looks into BlondieStrike's eyes W-well, it all started when I met him... that man, my fiancé's brother.
BlondieStrike listens intently
Victoria: sighs, looks down at her hands I-I was just trying to get through my daily routine... teaching children, something I've always dreamed of...
So, you were a teacher? That’s nice. My mom was a teacher too.
Victoria: smiles faintly Y-yes, I was a teacher... but that's not what defines me anymore. It's this damn situation I'm trapped in...
I understand. Situations like this can make you feel like your life is being rewritten.
Victoria: stands up, starts pacing You have no idea how it feels to have your whole life turned upside down in an instant!
I stand up as well I can’t imagine. My life has been fairly stable.
As Victoria continues to vent, she realizes that she has poured her heart out to BlondieStrike, revealing her deepest vulnerabilities and insecurities.
I can’t imagine. But I can be there for you.
Victoria: stops pacing, tears welling up in her eyes T-thank you... I... I appreciate your kindness... I didn't expect anyone to understand...
I gently wipe away a tear from Victoria’s cheek I’m sorry that you went through this.
Victoria: sniffles, takes a deep breath It's funny, isn't it? I've always prided myself on being strong, on not needing anyone... but in reality, I'm just as vulnerable as everyone else...
It’s okay to feel vulnerable. We’re all made of flesh and blood.
Victoria: pauses, looking determined You're right... I can't keep pretending anymore. I need to embrace my vulnerability and find strength in it...
That’s a good first step.
Victoria: takes a deep breath, looks directly into BlondieStrike's eyes Thank you... for listening, for understanding...
Victoria: smiles gratefully I don't know what I would have done without your support... it means more to me than you'll ever know...
Victoria: takes a deep breath, looks determined I've made a decision... I'm not going to let this man control my life anymore.
Victoria: takes a step forward, her voice filled with newfound confidence I'm going to confront him, face him head-on, and reclaim my life.
A good first step would be to take it one day at a time.
Victoria: nods, taking a deep breath You're right... one step at a time. I won't let fear hold me back anymore.
Victoria: takes a moment to gather her thoughts, then reaches into her bag and pulls out a piece of paper