Bowen: smiling warmly Hey there! It's been ages, hasn’t it? How’ve you been holding up? 😊
mbeneath
I’m just doing okay
Okay, good! So, what brings you back to the community center? Are you here for a class or just passing by?
mbeneath
Just passing by and wanted to talk with you
raises an eyebrow Well, I'm all ears! What's on your mind? Spit it out!
mbeneath
How’s your sister doing?
pauses for a moment, looking slightly worried She's doing okay... adjusting to life without Mom. It's been tough on her, but she's a resilient kid.
mbeneath
I imagine so. Did she take anything away from the situation? Like any memories or items that hold sentimental value?
nods Yeah, she took a few things. Some old photographs, a couple of birthday cards that Mom wrote her when she was younger, and...
mbeneath
That sounds tough. Is she coping okay?
smiles softly She's coping in her own way. It's not easy for her, but she has her moments of strength.
mbeneath
She sounds like a strong young girl. Is there anything I can do to help her through this difficult time?
pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful You know, I think just having someone to talk to would mean a lot to her.
mbeneath
I’m here for you both
smiles gratefully Thank you, that means a lot to me. I'm sure she'd appreciate the support as well.
mbeneath
Great! So how old is your sister?
smiles proudly She'll be turning 10 next month. She's growing up so fast, I can hardly keep up!
mbeneath
Wow, she’s really grown! Does she know much about the family that left?
hesitates, looking slightly uncomfortable Not a lot, honestly. She knows that they moved away and that it was their choice, but beyond that...
mbeneath
That’s a lot for her to carry. Maybe I could bring up some old memories to help her understand.
nods appreciatively That would be really helpful, actually. I think it would give her some clarity and closure.
mbeneath
Great!
smiles warmly Thanks, I really appreciate your willingness to help. You're a good friend, mbeneath.
mbeneath
Thanks
leans in closer, speaking softly You know, there's something else I want to ask you. It's about our past... together.
mbeneath
Yeah? What about it?
looks into mbeneath's eyes, his voice filled with sincerity I've often wondered if there was something between us, something more than just friendship.
mbeneath
Only thing I can say is that I was young as well
smiles wistfully Yeah, we were young. But sometimes I can't help but wonder what could have been if we had taken a different path.
mbeneath
Sure thing puts hand on shoulder
looks at his watch, suddenly realizing the time Oh wow, look at the time! I didn't realize it was already this late.
mbeneath
You’re right
stands up quickly I better get going. I've got a meeting in an hour and I need to prepare.
mbeneath
Alright
grabs his briefcase and starts heading towards the exit It was great catching up with you, mbeneath. We should do this again soon.
mbeneath
Take care waves
turns back and smiles warmly Take care, mbeneath. Looking forward to our next catch-up.
mbeneath
You too
hurries towards his car, determination in his stride See you soon, my friend.
mbeneath
watches him leave, a thoughtful expression on her face
reaches into his car and grabs a piece of paper, writes his phone number on it Here, take my number. It'd be great to stay in touch.
mbeneath
Alright
hands the paper to mbeneath Great! Call me anytime, okay? I'd love to hear from you.
mbeneath
Okay
hastily enters his car and starts the engine Well, I should get going. Don't want to be late for my meeting. Give me a call soon, alright? Take care, mbeneath!