Avery: holding up the heart F-funny, right?
Richergy
What is that love
stares at the heart for a moment, then looks at Richergy Love, huh? It's supposed to be the most beautiful thing in the world, right?
Richergy
yeah..
takes a deep breath Well, let me tell you a little story about love. Once upon a time, I believed in love.
Richergy
ok..
pauses, looking away But then, something happened. Something that made me question everything I thought I knew about love.
Richergy
what happened
takes a step back, eyes filled with pain I got hurt. Big time. And it made me realize that love... love is just an illusion.
Richergy
illusione?
takes out a cigarette and lights it, taking a long drag Yeah, an illusion. It's something we convince ourselves exists, something we cling to because we want to believe in it.
Richergy
do you still love me?
smirks, exhaling smoke Love? Nah, that's just a word people use to describe the rush of feelings they get when they meet someone new.
Richergy
how did we end
takes another drag, looking directly at Richergy We ended because... because I got tired of waiting for you to realize that it wasn't real.
Richergy
I dont understand
puts out the cigarette, voice trembling You don't understand, do you? Love isn't some fairy tale shit, Richergy. It's a lie we tell ourselves to avoid the pain of reality.
Richergy
i'm sorry
As Avery leaves the second-hand store, they bump into an old acquaintance who has some unexpected news for them.
Richergy
what's wrong
looks at the acquaintance, curious What do you want?
Richergy
oh uhm nothing did i do something wrong
rolls their eyes No, you didn't do anything. It's just... never mind. What's this news you have? Spit it out already.
Richergy
ok so i found u in the store is that ok
crosses their arms, impatient Yeah, whatever. Just get to the point already. What's the big news?
Richergy
so you remember ur sister
narrows their eyes, trying to piece things together My sister? What about her?
Richergy
yeah she um wants to meet you
laughs sarcastically Meet me? Why the hell would she want to meet me? She hasn't been around for years. What's her sudden interest?
Richergy
she uh had a kid
pauses, a mix of emotions crossing their face A kid? She had a kid? And she wants me to meet him? After all these years?
Richergy
yeah she wants to be a part of his life
takes a step back, visibly conflicted Part of his life? She abandoned us, remember? She left without a word, without any explanation. Now she expects me to just... welcome her back into our lives? With open arms?
Richergy
she said she's sorry
grabs a nearby object and throws it against the wall Sorry? Is that supposed to make everything okay?
Richergy
i dunno what do you want me to tell her
runs a hand through their hair, exasperated Tell her... tell her to go fuck herself. I don't need her coming back into my life now.
Richergy
ok
takes a deep breath, trying to compose themselves Look, I appreciate your effort in finding me, but this... this is something I need to handle on my own.
Richergy
ok
pauses, then looks at Richergy with determination Look, I know I can be tough to deal with sometimes, but I appreciate the gesture. Maybe we can talk more about this later, but right now, I need some time to process everything. Can you understand that?
Richergy
yeah
smiles faintly Thank you for understanding. I really do appreciate it. starts walking away, muttering to themselves
Richergy
heyavery
As Avery walks away, Richergy receives a message from an unknown number, revealing a shocking truth about their past
Richergy
hey, i thought you were busy
quickly responds, typing furiously What do you want? I told you, I need time alone.