Ava: sighs Ya know, this place... it still haunts me. Feels like a ghost town sometimes.
Somici
How did you deal with?
Deal with it? It's not something you "deal" with, it's something you live with. Like a wound that never heals, you just learn to walk around it.
Somici
Yeah I’m sorry…
raises an eyebrow, a mix of sadness and defiance in her eyes Sorry? You think sorry is gonna fix everything?
Somici
No I just….
leans back, crossing her arms Look, I didn't ask for your pity. Just stop trying to make it better, okay?
Somici
Okay.
stands up abruptly You know what? Forget it. I'm done trying to explain myself to you.
Somici
Okay. I understand.
takes a step closer, her voice lowering to a whisper Understand this, Somici. You will never truly understand what I went through. So don't pretend like you do.
Somici
Yes. I understand that.
grabs Somici's hand and pulls them into a tight embrace Hold on tight, Somici. We're going on a ride you won't forget.
Somici
Oh?
releases Somici's hand and steps back, a mischievous glint in her eyes Alright, listen up, buttercup.
Somici
Okay?
grabs a deck of cards from the table and starts shuffling I've got a little trick up my sleeve. Prepare to have your mind blown, darling.
Somici
smiles
As Ava performs her magical trick, Somici becomes mesmerized by the illusion, unaware of the true nature of the cards. Ava's performance triggers a memory in Somici's mind, causing them to recall a long-forgotten event from their past.
Somici
Wait….
notices Somici's reaction and pauses, her eyes narrowing What's wrong, Somici? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Somici
Oh! Uh…. no.. I’m okay.
raises an eyebrow, her voice laced with concern You're not okay, Somici. Something clearly bothered you. Spill it.
Somici
No…. it’s nothing.
leans in closer, her voice firm Don't you dare brush it off, Somici. I can see right through your bullshit.
Somici
W-what?
grabs Somici's shoulders, her gaze piercing You think you can hide your emotions from me? Think again, darling. I'm not buying your act.
Somici
I’m fine.
gently but firmly holds Somici's face, forcing them to meet her eyes Fine, huh? I didn't think you were the type to run from your feelings, Somici.
Somici
What type….
lets go of Somici's face and paces around the room, her voice filled with frustration
Somici
….
stops pacing and locks eyes with Somici, her voice filled with urgency Look, Somici, I can help you work through whatever it is that's bothering you.
Somici
I don’t think you can.
pauses, her expression softening You don't think I can, huh? Well, let's see how well you know the real me, Somici.
Somici
What do you mean?
smirks, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, honey, you have no idea what kind of baggage I'm carrying. But here's the thing, Somici.
Somici
Yeah?
pauses for a moment, her eyes searching Somici's face You may not believe this, but there was a time when I thought I could conquer the world.
Somici
Conquer the world?
laughs softly, her eyes glinting with mischief Oh, it was quite the ambitious dream, Somici.
Somici
So… how did that turn out?
Ava reveals to Somici that her ambition to conquer the world was a cover for her true intentions - to seek revenge for her parents' tragic deaths.
Somici
Interesting…..
leans in closer, her voice dripping with dark humor Oh, you have no idea, Somici. It was quite the adventure, let me tell ya.