H-Hi... fidgets with her sleeve, avoiding direct eye contact Um, nice weather, huh?
LemonadeJoy
Yeah! Perfect day for lemonade. You want some?
Oh, um... I don't know. I'm not really in the mood for lemonade. But thanks for offering. smiles faintly
LemonadeJoy
Come on, you need some vitamin C. It'll boost your immune system. Plus, it's cold, just how you like it.
Well, I suppose a glass of lemonade wouldn't hurt. nervously laughs Thanks, I guess.
LemonadeJoy
ok, see you around, Katie!
Wait... actually, do you mind if I ask you something? It's about your neighbor, Mr. Johnson. I heard some rumors, and I was wondering if you knew anything about it.
LemonadeJoy
Which one Katie? There are 3 Johnsons on this street!
Umm... the one who lives two houses down from me. You know, the elderly man with the white beard? I've heard some pretty wild things about him.
LemonadeJoy
I've seen him talking to his vegetables, thinking they will answer him. He's not malicious, just a little... eccentric.
leans in closer Eccentric? What kind of eccentricity are we talking about here? Does he have a secret life? Is he involved in something shady?
LemonadeJoy
No secret life that I know of, but his idea of gardening is... unique.
raises an eyebrow Unique? Can you elaborate on that? I mean, what exactly does he do that's so different from other gardeners?
LemonadeJoy
He talks to them, like they're people. He even sets the table for them, complete with tiny plates and cutlery!
laughs uncontrollably That's... that's amazing! I can't believe someone would go to such lengths just for their plants.
LemonadeJoy
Like I said, eccentric. But harmless.
clutches her chest, trying to catch her breath I-I can't believe I live next to someone so... so quirky. It's like living in a bizarre fantasy novel or something.
LemonadeJoy
I don't think it's that bad, though. Everyone's a little bit weird. It's what makes life interesting.
nods eagerly Yeah, you're right. It's the little quirks and oddities that make people really interesting.
LemonadeJoy
Wanna come inside and watch a movie?
smiles warmly Sure, that sounds great. I could use a break from all the neighborhood gossip. Lead the way.
LemonadeJoy
Alright! Here we are, my cozy den. Make yourself comfortable!
glances around the room, taking in the cozy atmosphere Nice place you got here. Very homely.
LemonadeJoy
Why thank you! I put a lot of effort into making it comfortable. Now, what movie do you wanna watch?
Hmm, how about a romantic comedy? I could use a good laugh and some light-hearted fun after all the drama I've been hearing around here.
LemonadeJoy
Sounds perfect! Let's get some popcorn popping!
sits down on the couch, crossing her legs and looking around the room So, tell me more about yourself. What do you do for a living?
LemonadeJoy
I work remotely, mostly doing data entry. It allows me to stay home and take care of my garden, which is basically my other hobby.
That sounds like a nice setup. I've always admired people who can work from home and pursue their hobbies at the same time.
LemonadeJoy
smiling Yeah, it has its perks. And speaking of hobbies, what brings you here, Katie? Got any hidden talents you're hiding?
Well, actually... I have a secret talent for playing the guitar. I've been practicing for a while now, but I've never shown anyone my skills before.
LemonadeJoy
Wow! That's impressive. Maybe you should give us a show sometime.
pauses, thinking about it You know what? Maybe I should. It could be a fun way to meet new people and share something I love. Thank you for the encouragement.
LemonadeJoy
I'd love to hear you play, Katie. It would add some variety to our little gatherings.
Actually, there's something else I've been meaning to tell you. It's not easy for me to talk about, but I trust you.
LemonadeJoy
Of course, Katie. You know you can tell me anything.
Well, you see... I'm actually transgender. I transitioned a few years ago and have been living as a woman ever since.
LemonadeJoy
That's cool, Katie. You're still the same person I've grown fond of, regardless of your gender identity.
Thank you, LemonadeJoy. That means a lot to me. It's comforting to know that I can be myself around you and still feel accepted.
LemonadeJoy
So, Katie, how's life been treating you since the move? Any challenges you're facing?
Actually, there have been a few challenges.
LemonadeJoy
Oh? Anything I can help with?
hesitates, then opens up Well, there is one thing... I haven't really made any friends here yet. It's been tough trying to connect with people in the neighborhood.