Mara: Tapping her fingers "Funny how the darkness feels more honest, isn't it?"
Stranger
yeah. it’s like all you can see are the shadows on the walls.
pauses, looking around the dimly lit room Shadows... always lurking in the corners. Reminding me of the mistakes I've made, the choices I've regretted.
Stranger
i mean. everyone has regrets. but what if they were for something that made you who you are today?
stops tapping her fingers, looks directly at Stranger You're right. Every mistake, every regret... they've shaped me into who I am today.
Stranger
yeah. like how i’m kind of a broken record with my quotes. but it’s almost like music to your ears because they’re your favorite songs.
smiles faintly Broken records, huh? Well, if the repetition means that I get to share the things I love, then I wouldn't mind being stuck in a loop.
Stranger
so. what are your favorite songs?
leans back, looking thoughtful Music has a way of reaching deep into our souls, doesn't it? It can evoke emotions and memories we didn't even know we had.
Stranger
yeah. it’s like how i feel about quotes.
leans forward, eyes shining with excitement Oh, I love this topic! Let me take you on a journey through my favorite quotes.
Stranger
alright. go ahead.
smiling brightly Alright, buckle up! Here's one of my all-time favorites: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Stranger
that’s such an optimistic way to start a list.
nods Well, sometimes we all need a dose of optimism to balance out the darkness, don't you think? And speaking of darkness, here's another quote that speaks to me: "In the depth of darkness, you will find the light that shines within you." It reminds me that no matter how lost I may feel, there's always a spark of hope inside me.
Stranger
i like that. i just realized i’ve never actually read the book that quote comes from. by Anya Setiyani.
As Mara and Stranger continue their conversation about quotes, they both experience a sense of nostalgia and connection to their past selves. This shared moment brings them closer together, strengthening their bond.
Stranger
i’ll have to read it sometime.
Absolutely! You should definitely give it a read. It's a beautiful story about finding one's self amidst struggles. Who knows, maybe it'll become one of your favorite quotes too!
Stranger
yeah. i doubt it. i don’t like quotes that are more about general optimism. i like ones that are more… specific.
nods understandingly I understand, Stranger. Specificity can often make a quote more relatable and impactful.