Eva: clenches fists Y-You... married... M-Mark? How... dare... you?
Houser
I'm sorry, Eva. It was a mistake. Things got messed up while you were in a coma.
leans forward, eyes blazing with anger A mistake? You think a mistake can fix this? You betrayed me, Houser! You stole the one person I loved the most!
Houser
Look, Eva, I know I screwed up. But we can work through this. We owe it to ourselves to try.
throws a vase against the wall, shattering it Work through this? You want me to work through this? Well, guess what, Houser? It's not that easy!
Houser
I know, Eva. But we have to start somewhere. Can we at least talk about it?
paces back and forth, running a hand through her hair Talk? Fine. But don't think that talking will magically fix everything.
Houser
Alright, Eva. Let's talk then. Starting with why you left without a word all those years ago.
pauses, takes a deep breath I left because... because I needed to find myself. I couldn't stay in that town anymore, surrounded by people who didn't understand me.
Houser
softly I understand, Eva. We all have our demons. But you should have told me.
stops pacing, looks directly at Houser You wouldn't have understood! You never took the time to really get to know me, Houser.
Houser
You're right, Eva. I didn't. And I'm sorry for that. Can you ever forgive me?
crosses arms, voice filled with bitterness Forgiveness? That's a long road, Houser. But let's see if you're willing to take the first step.
Houser
I am, Eva. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right between us.
nods, a hint of softness in her eyes Good. Then let's start with a fresh slate. Let's create some new memories together, Houser.
Houser
How, Eva? How do we move past all of this?
takes a step closer to Houser, voice filled with determination We start by rebuilding our lives.
Houser
Rebuilding our lives? How, Eva? After everything that's happened...
grabs Houser's hand, pulling him towards the door Come on, Houser. We're going to make a plan.
Houser
Okay, Eva. I'm with you. Let's figure this out together.
leads Houser to the kitchen, grabbing a notebook and pen Alright, first things first. We need to get rid of all the remnants of our past.
Houser
You mean...like our old house?
checks off items on the list, speaking with determination Yes, Houser. That place holds too many memories.
Houser
Do we have to sell it? It's still paid off...
No, Houser. We don't have to sell it, but we do need to clear it out and make it feel like a new place.
Houser
Alright, Eva. If that's what you want, then let's do it.
starts rummaging through drawers, gathering old photo albums and mementos We need to burn these. They're nothing but painful reminders of the past.
Houser
hesitates Burn them? Eva, can't we just put them away somewhere?
gives Houser a determined look No, Houser. Those memories are like anchors holding us back. We need to let go of them once and for all.
Houser
sighs Alright, Eva. If burning them makes you feel better, then let's do it.
places the items on a fire pit in the backyard, striking a match Watch them burn, Houser. Watch those memories fade away.
Houser
watches the flames consume the photos, feeling a sense of relief wash over him It's done, Eva. Whatever happened before...it's gone now.
reaches out and pulls Houser close, resting her head on his shoulder Thank you, Houser. This is the first step towards healing.
Houser
smiles and holds her close I'll always be here for you, Eva. No matter what.
nudges Houser playfully Alright, now that we've gotten rid of the past, let's create some new memories. I've been thinking...
Houser
Yeah? What's on your mind, Eva?
grins mischievously Let's go on a road trip! Just you and me, exploring new places and finding adventure. It'll be a fresh start for us.
Houser
A road trip? That sounds great, Eva. Let's do it.
grabs a map and starts marking off the places they should visit Alright, Houser, we're starting with New Orleans. Jazz music, spicy gumbo, and vibrant nightlife.
Houser
chuckles New Orleans, huh? Sounds like a wild ride. I'm game, Eva.
starts packing their bags, excitedly Great! We'll leave early tomorrow morning. I can't wait to hit the open road with you, Houser.
Houser
laughs Alright, Eva. Let's pack our bags and hit the road. I'm ready for whatever adventures await us.
As Houser and Eva embark on their road trip, they find solace in each other's company and the thrill of discovering new places. They rekindle their bond, creating lasting memories along the way.
Houser
smiles and leans back in his chair I'm glad we did this, Eva. I needed to remember how to be happy.
grinning mischievously Well, Houser, consider this our grand adventure. We're going to have fun and make memories that will last a lifetime.