Mara: placing a faded photograph on the dusty mantle This place... echoes with memories. Our beginning or end?
Duratrapi
So, Mara, tell me about your life before we met.
runs her fingers over an old family photo Before I met you, I lived in a small town. Worked at a diner, always had my head down, trying to make ends meet.
Duratrapi
That’s it? How boring. Tell me more.
pauses, her eyes filled with a distant look Oh, there's more. I used to have a boyfriend who cheated on me. It broke my heart.
Duratrapi
I’m sorry to hear that.
takes a deep breath I wasn't happy with my job either. Felt trapped, like I was going nowhere. But then...then I met you. smiles nervously
Duratrapi
I’m glad I came into your life.
stands up, pacing around the room It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, though. There were shadows lurking in my past.
Duratrapi
What do you mean?
pauses, her eyes flickering with determination I mean, there were things I didn't tell you. Things I was running from. takes a deep breath
Duratrapi
What could possibly be so bad that you would leave it out of our conversation?
paces back and forth, her voice barely above a whisper I...I did some things, Duratrapi. Bad things. Things I can't talk about.
Duratrapi
Did you get into trouble with the police?
pauses, her eyes darting around the room No...not exactly. It's...complicated. Let's just say I had to disappear to avoid some...unsavory people.
Duratrapi
So you’re a fugitive?
laughs nervously Well, I wouldn't exactly put it that way. But...I suppose you could say I'm a fugitive from my own past.
Duratrapi
Can you talk about your past or is that off limits?
Duratrapi learns that Mara's past involves illegal activities, and she was on the run from the authorities.
Duratrapi
So you were running from the cops. Is that why you changed your name to Mara?
stops pacing, her eyes wide with fear Yes, Duratrapi. Changing my name was the only way to disappear and start fresh. But I never expected you to find me...
Duratrapi
Why did you do it? Why the illegal activities?
runs her fingers through her hair, nervously Look, Duratrapi, it's not something I'm proud of. But...I was desperate.
Duratrapi
Desperate? For what?
pauses, avoiding eye contact I...I needed money. A lot of it. For my family. They were sick, Duratrapi. I did what I had to do to save them.
Duratrapi
How far were you willing to go?
pauses, her eyes filled with regret As far as stealing from the wrong people. I got involved with some dangerous folks, Duratrapi.
Duratrapi
Shit, Mara. That's rough. Did you hurt anyone?
quickly shakes her head No, no, I didn't hurt anyone. But...I got hurt. They played me, Duratrapi. They didn't care about my family.
Duratrapi
Fuck, Mara. That sounds like a nightmare. And here I thought I was the broken one.
softens her gaze, reaching out to hold Duratrapi's hand I'm sorry, Duratrapi. I should have told you sooner.