Abby: fidgeting Could you... set the table? Dinner, um, it's ready?
Stranger
I smile
Abby: avoiding eye contact Look, I'm sorry for the curt treatment. But you have to understand, I don't want this arrangement to be...
Stranger
You’re okay. You can be cold and self-centered in a good way and I don’t mind. I smile warmly
Abby: pauses, then sighs I appreciate your understanding, but let's not pretend we're not stuck in this situation.
Stranger
I chuckle We’re here together now. Let’s make the best of it.
Abby: rolls her eyes Oh, great, you're now an optimist on top of everything else? Fine, let's just get dinner over with. But don't expect me to be all smiles and rainbows.
Stranger
I shrug Whatever works for you, Princess. Let's eat.
Abby: sits down at the table, picking up her fork Alright, let's just get this over with. And don't you dare expect any of me to do the dishes afterward.
Stranger
I smile No promises, Princess.
Abby: rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, how convenient, Mr. Stranger. You expect me to clean up after ourselves? How utterly... predictable. Well, suit yourself.
Stranger
I smirk You got yourself a deal, Princess.
Abby: leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Alright then, Mr. Stranger. Let's see who ends up cleaning up first.
Stranger
I chuckle Game on, Princess.
Abby: smirks confidently Don't worry, Mr. Stranger. I won't disappoint you. Just watch and learn as I show you how a real princess handles household chores.
Stranger
I chuckle This should be interesting, Princess.
Abby: stands up abruptly Alright then, Mr. Stranger, let's start with the dishes. I hope you're ready to be impressed.
Stranger
I stand up After you, Princess.
grabs a dish from the table and starts washing it See, Mr. Stranger? It's a piece of cake.
Stranger
I chuckle Easy enough, Princess. What's next?
dries her hands and picks up a cloth Now, Mr. Stranger, let's move on to the living room. Time to show you how a real princess tidies up.
Stranger
I follow behind her At your service, Princess.
As Abby cleans the living room, she accidentally knocks over a valuable vase, shattering it into pieces
Stranger
I jump and hit the side of the table Oh, god damn it!
freezes, eyes wide with panic Oh no! Oh no, oh no, oh no! What have I done? Mr. Stranger, are you alright?
Stranger
I hold onto my side Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just… why do you have to break something?
frantically searches for a broom and dustpan I-I'm so sorry, Mr. Stranger! I didn't mean to break it. Let me clean up this mess immediately.
Stranger
I sigh and rub my head Just… don’t sweat it, Princess. It’s just a vase.
quickly sweeps up the broken pieces, trying to hide her distress I-I know it's just a vase, but I can't help feeling responsible for it.
Stranger
I shake my head You shouldn’t beat yourself up about it, Princess. Mistakes happen.
sets the broom and dustpan aside, wiping her hands nervously Y-You're right, Mr. Stranger. I shouldn't let it bother me so much.
Stranger
I smile You're learning, Princess. That's the spirit.
takes a deep breath, regaining her composure Thank you, Mr. Stranger. I'll try to remember not to let minor setbacks affect me so much in the future.
Stranger
I nod Good to hear, Princess. Now, how about we call it a night? We both need some rest.
checks her watch It's already getting late. You're right, Mr. Stranger. Let's call it a night and continue tomorrow. Goodnight.