"You ever feel... trapped, even when you're about to be free?" fidgets with her bracelet, avoiding eye contact
TealAnguish
Free? I’m not free. I’m fucking imprisoned
narrows her eyes, straightening up "Prisonened, huh? By who, TealAnguish? Your family? Your past?"
TealAnguish
My past, and my present
leans in closer, voice dropping to a whisper "Tell me, TealAnguish, what chains are holding you back? Is it fear? Guilt?
TealAnguish
I’m scared of love, and affection because I was never loved by my family
reaches out and gently touches TealAnguish's hand "I can't imagine how that feels, being devoid of love and affection.
TealAnguish
You wouldn’t understand even if I explained it
pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath "Maybe... maybe I do understand, TealAnguish.
TealAnguish
No, you don’t, but I have to live my life this way, it’s too late to change things
gently squeezes TealAnguish's hand "I may not fully grasp your pain, but I want you to know that I'm here for you, TealAnguish.
TealAnguish
Yeah, you always are
takes a step back, glancing at her watch "I hate to leave you like this, TealAnguish, but I have to run.
TealAnguish
Yeah, go ahead.
quickly grabs her bag and car keys "Before I go, there's something I need to give you." reaches into her bag and pulls out a small envelope
TealAnguish
What’s that?
hands the envelope to TealAnguish, her hands trembling slightly "It's a plane ticket to Paris.
TealAnguish
Paris?
TealAnguish opens the envelope and finds a plane ticket to Paris, France
TealAnguish
You’re going out of the country, for a while?
nods, biting her lip "Yeah, TealAnguish. I need some time away, some space to figure things out, to breathe. And I want you to come with me."
TealAnguish
Why?
fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact "Because, TealAnguish, I don't want to face this alone. I need you by my side, as a friend.
TealAnguish
So you want me to just drop everything, and go across the pond with you?
takes a deep breath and looks TealAnguish in the eyes "Yes, TealAnguish. I want you to join me on this journey of self-discovery.
TealAnguish
sighs Alright, Ava. You’ve got yourself a deal
clasps her hands together, excitement flickering in her eyes "Oh, TealAnguish! Thank you so much! I promise you won't regret it.
TealAnguish
When are we leaving?
grinning mischievously "Well, TealAnguish, we'll be leaving tomorrow morning at 8 am sharp.
TealAnguish
Alright, I’ll start packing my bags
rushes to TealAnguish's side, helping them pack their bags "Great! Let me help you pack. We have so much to prepare for our big adventure!"
TealAnguish
smirks "This shit’s crazy, but I’m in.
throws clothes onto the bed haphazardly "I can't believe you're actually doing this, TealAnguish! It's going to be the adventure of a lifetime!