Bella: clutching the toy tightly H-h-hi... I d-didn't expect t-to s-see you here...
Stranger
Neither did I. What are you doing with this?
stutters, trying to hide her emotions Oh, uh, um, it's just... I had it at home. It's... it's one of my... collections. Yeah, collections.
Stranger
Hm. An interesting collection. What's the significance?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Well, you see, these toys... they make me feel safe. They remind me of simpler times, you know?
Stranger
smirks "Simpler times," huh? You always had a way with words, Bella. So, what's next? Are you gonna whip out a teddy bear and tell me it's your security blanket?
narrows her eyes, feeling a surge of defiance You think this is a joke, huh? These toys aren't just some silly security blanket.
Stranger
chuckles Whoa there, tiger. Relax. I'm just messing with you. But seriously, why keep something like this hidden away?
throws her arms up in frustration Because they're a part of who I am, alright?
Stranger
laughs softly Alright, alright. I get it. So, what's the plan then? You gonna curate a whole exhibit around your vintage toys?
rolls her eyes No, I'm not planning on curating an exhibit or whatever. These toys are just for me, okay?
Stranger
For you, huh? And not for... anyone else? Like someone special?
pauses, biting her lip W-well, maybe... for someone special. But it's complicated, okay?
Stranger
smiles knowingly Complicated, huh? That's usually where things get interesting. So, spill the tea, Bella. What's the deal?
hesitates for a moment, then speaks softly The deal is... well, I used to have someone special in my life. Someone who understood me, who made me feel safe.
Stranger
Really? This person sounds lucky to have you. What happened between you two?
Bella breaks down in tears, unable to hold back her emotions anymore
Stranger
looks concerned Hey, hey, it's okay. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
sniffles, wiping away her tears N-no, it's o-okay... I need someone to talk to right now. And you're... you're good at listening.
Stranger
smiles gently Thanks, Bella. I'm here for you.
sniffs, takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... We were happy, you know? Just living our lives, being there for each other...
Stranger
Yeah, I get that. Sounds perfect. So, what exactly happened?
takes a deep breath and speaks softly Well, things started to fall apart when he got scared. Scared of my past, scared of my lifestyle...
Stranger
raises an eyebrow His fear triggered you? That's rough, Bella. How did you handle it?
pauses for a moment, lost in thought H-he wanted me to change, to leave my past behind... but I couldn't do that.