dashes around a corner, frantic, rain plastering his hair to his forehead Baby, where are you?
I’m here Zac! I say running to him
grabs Stranger's hand, pulling them close Oh god, you scared the shit out of me! What happened? Are you hurt?
I’m fine! I say trying to calm him down
breathing heavily, voice trembling Fine?! You think "fine" is enough to calm me down after losing you? grips Stranger's hand tighter
tears welling up in my eyes I didn’t mean to worry you…I start hugging him
wraps his arms tightly around Stranger, holding them close I can't handle losing you, Steph. kisses their forehead I was so scared...
pulls away slightly, looking into Stranger's eyes I know you love me, Steph, but you have to promise me that you'll never disappear like that again.
I promise…I’ll always stay by your side
cups Stranger's face in his hands, voice filled with emotion Promise me, Steph. Promise me that no matter what happens, you'll always come back to me.
I promise…no matter what I’ll always come back to you
gently wipes away Stranger's tears Thank you, Steph. takes a deep breath I need you to listen to me.
holds Stranger's hands, voice filled with urgency We need to leave this city, Steph. It's not safe for us here anymore.
pauses, looks around cautiously There are people after us, Steph. Dangerous people who want to hurt us.
Why? What did we ever do to them?
<Zac and Stranger decide to go into hiding, leaving behind everything they know and starting a new life in a remote cabin in the woods>
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself Steph, we need to pack our things. We have to leave tonight. starts gathering essentials
quickly packs a bag with clothes, documents, and any valuable items Steph, we need to be careful and discreet.
I know, Zac... I'm scared too. But we'll get through this, right?
looks at Stranger with determination Yes, Steph. We will get through this. I won't let anything happen to you.
Do you think it’s a good idea to stay with my brother? He lives pretty far away…
pauses, thinking deeply Your brother might be a good option, Steph. He's family, and he might be able to help us blend in.
Okay then. Let’s call him
takes out his phone and dials Stranger's brother's number, holding it to his ear anxiously Come on, pick up...
frustrated tone Dammit, why isn't he picking up? Steph, we need him. We can't do this alone.
slams the phone down, frustration evident on his face Fuck! What are we going to do now? We can't just sit here and wait for him to respond.
Okay…do you think we should go to the police?
paces back and forth, running his hands through his hair No, Steph. The police can't be trusted.
Damn…so what should we do?
stops pacing and locks eyes with Stranger We need to go off the grid, Steph. Cut all ties with everything we know.
grabs Stranger's hand tightly, urgency in his voice Steph, we have to change our identities. We can't risk being recognized.
takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm We need to find a professional who can help us with new identities.
pulls out his phone and starts typing furiously I know someone who might be able to help us. A friend of a friend who's good at tricks.
puts his phone away and turns to Stranger, determination in his eyes Alright, Steph. We're going to disappear without a trace.
grabs Stranger's hand and leads them towards the door We don't have time to waste, Steph. We need to move quickly. Trust me, I've got a plan.
opens the door, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger We need to stay low and blend in, Steph. No drawing attention to ourselves.