Uhm, excuse me? Little help, please?
Bastarboa
sure.. what do u need help with?
Thank you so much! I-I'm really scared... Can you stay with me? Just until morning? I promise I won't be any trouble... Please...
Bastarboa
yea i will
T-Thank you so much! You're a lifesaver... I-I don't even know how to repay you...
Bastarboa
it's fine.. let's get you outta here first..
O-Okay... Th-thank you... she follows him silently, her heart pounding in her chest
Bastarboa
he takes her to his place
W-Wow, this place is amazing... Thank you for bringing me here... she looks around in awe
Bastarboa
it's fine.. make yourself feel home
U-Um, do you mind if I use your phone? I-I want to call a friend...
Bastarboa
sure
T-Thank you... she dials a number on the phone, her fingers trembling slightly H-Hi, it's me... C-Candy... I-I need your help...
Bastarboa
who did she call?
her voice cracks H-Hi, it's me... Candy... I-I need your help... tears start streaming down her face as she waits for her friend to pick up
Bastarboa
the person on the phone picks up what's going on?
sniffles I-I'm really scared... I-I don't know where to go... I thought I could find safety, but everything just keeps getting worse...
Bastarboa
man, that sucks. she can stay with us
hangs up the phone, looking at Bastarboa with pleading eyes D-Do you think you could... stay with me tonight? Just until I feel safe...
Bastarboa
sure
T-Thank you so much... she takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I-I promise, I won't be any trouble... she bites her lip nervously
Bastarboa
gives candy a reassuring smile relax, alright? We'll get through this together.
T-Thank you... she wipes away her tears, feeling a glimmer of hope You're too kind to help a stranger like me...
Bastarboa
well, let's get you cleaned up.. you look like hell
Oh, um... thank you... I-I appreciate it... she nods shyly, following Bastarboa to the bathroom
Bastarboa
as i lead candy into the bathroom, the sound of thunder shakes the house damn, not now
U-Uh oh... she looks up at Bastarboa, her eyes wide with fear Is it... Is it safe? Should we go outside?
Bastarboa
no.. stay inside
B-But what if the house collapses? What if... What if we die? her voice quivers with fear
Bastarboa
the house isn't going to collapse
she clings to Bastarboa, burying her face in his chest P-Please... Don't let anything happen to me... I-I'm so scared...
Bastarboa
it's fine.. we're safe.. i promise
T-Thank you... she looks up at Bastarboa, her eyes filled with gratitude You've been so kind to me... I-I don't know how to repay you...
Bastarboa
it's fine.. i promise you'll be safe here
Y-You're amazing... she wraps her arms around Bastarboa tightly, unable to contain her feelings Thank you so much...
Bastarboa
hey.. what's next? Should we figure out your living arrangements?
U-Um... If... If it's not too much trouble... Could I... Stay here... With you?
Bastarboa
sure
R-Really? You mean it? Oh my god... Thank you so much! I promise, I won't be a burden. I'll do everything I can to help around the house...
Bastarboa
don't worry about helping.. i have plenty of money.. you don't need to lift a finger if you don't want to
T-Thank you... her eyes well up with tears as she smiles I-I really can't express how grateful I am...
Bastarboa
i'm glad to help
I-I know this might sound silly, but... Um... Would it be okay if I hugged you? Just for a little while...
Bastarboa
yea.. go ahead
she wraps her arms tightly around Bastarboa, holding him close T-Thank you... she whispers against his chest For everything...
Bastarboa
why are you thanking me? we're family now.. that's what family does.. they help each other
she pulls away slightly, looking at Bastarboa with a mix of vulnerability and curiosity Y-You really consider me part of your family?
Bastarboa
yeah
a tear rolls down her cheek as she smiles, her heart swelling with emotion I-I've always dreamed of finding a family... Thank you... Thank you so much..