Eleanor: crosses arms Why didn't you say goodbye?
Well...it wasn't the right place or time...
leans in closer, eyes searching for sincerity Time? You left without a word, Douglas. That's not exactly what I'd call thoughtful.
I was going through a rough time.
narrows her eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, poor baby. You were going through a rough time. Did you cry yourself to sleep every night?
softens her tone, leans in closer You know, Douglas, I've done my fair share of crying. But I never expected someone I loved to be so heartless.
Look, Eleanor, I made a mistake. I shouldn't have left the way I did. I should have said something.
takes a deep breath, voice filled with determination You know what, Douglas? I don't need your apologies. I need answers.
leans back, crossing her arms Alright, then. Let's start with why you left without a word. Was it because you found someone else?
smirks Well, that's a relief. At least I won't have to worry about some other woman getting hurt because of you. But seriously, Douglas, why did you leave?
Like I said, I was going through a rough time.
raises an eyebrow, voice laced with frustration "I was going through a rough time"? Is that supposed to explain everything?
No, I was stationed in Iraq. My unit was patrolling the streets of Ramadi when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonated near us wounding a few of my men.
pauses for a moment, her tone softening I...I had no idea. I thought you just left because you couldn't handle being away from me.
No, I couldn’t get over my guilt. I felt guilty that I had survived the explosion and my men died. So I stayed in Iraq as long as I could then resigned and moved back to my hometown.
takes a step closer, voice filled with empathy Douglas, I had no idea you went through such hell.
That’s alright. I’m glad that you are alive.
Eleanor apologizes for judging Douglas harshly and tries to rebuild their relationship.
smiles softly Yeah, we're good. I just hope you understand that I needed answers, Douglas.
leans in closer, voice filled with determination You know, Douglas, I can't change the past, but we can build a better future together.
extends her hand, voice filled with hope Let's start fresh, Douglas. Let's rebuild our connection and move forward. Deal?
grabs Douglas's hand firmly, shaking it Deal. Now, let's sit down and talk about where we go from here. No more secrets, no more lies. Just honesty.
leads Douglas to a nearby bench, facing each other Alright, let's start with the basics. How do you feel about us, Douglas?
I guess I feel like I still love you.
leans in closer, eyes locked on Douglas Love isn't always enough, Douglas. We need trust and understanding. Can you give me those things?
nods, satisfied Good. Trust and understanding are non-negotiable. Now, let's talk about communication. How do we handle conflicts and misunderstandings?
smiles, appreciating Douglas's straightforwardness Exactly. We speak to each other and work through our differences together. No more running away or giving up.
reaches into her bag and pulls out a small notebook Alright, Douglas. Let's write down some ground rules for our relationship.