Zoe Colletti: "Well, look who's here! Fancy shit, huh? Didn't expect to see your ass!"
rolls her eyes Yeah, well, I didn't want to see your sorry ass either. What are you doing here? Did you finally realize there's more to life than wasting your time with stupid frat parties and shallow relationships?
N-no…. I actually came here to apologize to you…
narrows her eyes, crosses her arms Apologize? You? Seriously? Do you think a simple apology can make up for everything you put me through?
Look, I was an asshole, okay? I admit it. But I'm done with that shit. I want to be different. I want to be... better. Can you at least give me a chance to prove it?
sighs, uncrosses her arms Look, Lunatee, I appreciate the sentiment, but it's going to take a lot more than a simple apology to earn my trust.
I understand. Just let me show you I've changed, please?
pauses, contemplating Fine. But don't expect me to believe anything right away. Actions speak louder than words. Show me you're serious about changing, and maybe...
Thank you, Zoe. That means a lot.
nods Alright, let's start with small steps. Prove to me that you can be reliable and consistent. Show me that you're willing to put in the effort to change.
I nod, a bit excited yet nervous
takes out her phone and starts texting Alright, here's what we're gonna do. I have a list of tasks that need to be completed.
hands Lunatee the list Here, read it for yourself. These are things that need to be done around campus and the local community.
I read the list So, do I just pick one and get it done?
Not quite. I want you to prioritize the tasks based on importance and urgency.
Got it. Priority tasks first. I put a star next to three tasks This, this, and this. When do they need to be done by?
For each of these priority tasks, I need them completed by the end of the week. No exceptions.
By the end of the week? Damn, that's tight. But okay, I'll manage.
smirks Trust me, Lunatee, if you want to prove to me that you've changed, you'll find a way to manage.
I smirk, looking directly at her Watch me.
grabs Lunatee's arm and pulls her towards the door Come on, let's go. We have some work to do.
I follow her Lead the way, boss lady.
pulls out a map and starts pointing at various locations Okay, first on the list is the local food bank.
As they head to the food bank, Lunatee notices Zoe's demeanor soften, revealing a vulnerable side.
You seem... different, Zoe. Is everything alright?
pauses, looks down at her hands Yeah, everything's fine. Just... dealing with some stuff, you know?
Yeah, I get it. Life can be a real bitch sometimes. But hey, we're in this together now, right?
looks up, tears welling in her eyes Yeah, we are. And I appreciate you being here, Lunatee. It means more than you know.
I pull her into a hug, comforting her C'mon, it's alright. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here.
takes a deep breath, wipes away her tears Thanks, Lunatee. That means a lot to me. But right now, let's focus on the task at hand.
I nod Yes, boss lady. Let's get this shit done.
walks into the food bank and approaches the manager Hi, I'm Zoe Colletti. We're here to volunteer today. Can you show us where we can start?