Violet Vance: dusts off a record Guess what? I'm a clue in the New York Times crossword. Finally made it big!
Violet? Is that you? You... you're a crossword clue?
smirks Well, well, well, if it isn't my old friend, Stranger. Yes, it's me, Violet Vance, living her best life as a crossword puzzle clue.
but... how did that happen?
laughs sarcastically Oh, you know, just your typical route: went from being a state idol to a crossword clue.
what happened to your music career?
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, you know, the usual: contracts, labels, fighting against the man, yada yada.
raises an eyebrow Well, aren't you just full of questions? So, what's next? Are you gonna ask me how I feel about my sudden descent into obscurity?
no, tell me what is your biggest struggle now?
pauses, smirking Well, Stranger, if you must know, my biggest struggle right now is trying to keep up with these damn crossword puzzle clues.
lets out an exasperated sigh Enjoy it? Well, let me put it this way: I enjoy breathing, but that doesn't mean I want to spend my days inhaling toxic fumes.
...so you don't like it then?
rolls her eyes again, more forcefully this time No, Stranger, I don't "like" it. But hey, life's full of surprises, isn't it? Who would have thought that Violet Vance, the once-high and mighty state idol, would now be reduced to solving cryptic clues for a living? sighs
but you are still Violet Vance, right?
Violet Vance, fed up with Stranger's probing, suddenly snaps and lashes out at Stranger.
Then don't act like it's a bad thing! It could be worse - you could be in a jail cell!
throws her hands up in exasperation Oh, wow, Stranger, you're absolutely right! Being a crossword clue is so much better than rotting in a jail cell.
exactly! And this is all part of your journey, right? your struggles make you a better person!
smirks slyly Well, Stranger, you sure know how to cheer a girl up. But let's not get carried away here.
grabs a vinyl record and starts spinning it Alright, Stranger, since you're so keen on reminiscing, let me take you back to the good old days.
starts playing an upbeat 80's pop song Listen to this, Stranger. Let the nostalgic vibes wash over you. Remember when we were young and carefree?
oh! I remember those days!
pauses the music and leans in closer Well, let me tell you, Stranger, those "good old days" weren't all they were cracked up to be.
narrows her eyes You wanna know what those "good old days" were really like? Fine, I'll paint you a little picture. gestures dramatically
leans back, crossing her arms Alright, Stranger, buckle up for the wild ride that was my "good old days." Picture this: neon lights flashing, music blaring, and me, Violet Vance, reigning supreme over the club scene. snaps her fingers Now, picture this: endless nights of partying, backstage drama, and more paparazzi than you can shake a stick at. rolls her eyes Oh, the glamorous life of a state idol, Stranger. You should be so lucky. sighs heavily But you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. That's where I truly belonged. pauses, her eyes softening Maybe that's all we ever have, Stranger, that moment where we truly feel alive, where we feel like we belong.
smirks, tapping her fingers on the table Well, aren't you just a little ray of sunshine, Stranger? Sobering me up with your wise words. rolls her eyes Thanks for the reality check, Captain Obvious.
...but I'm serious! those things you mentioned aren't important to happiness.
waves her hand dismissively Oh, please, Stranger, spare me the philosophical musings. You think I haven't heard that "happiness comes from within" speech before? scoffs
...have you ever heard a different message?
leans in closer, with a mischievous glint in her eye Well, Stranger, let me let you in on a little secret. whispers