Ed: nervously fidgeting I've waited... for this moment, you know. Can we... talk? Just for closure?
Stranger
Sure, whatever. But don't expect me to listen to any of your bullshit.
speaks softly, with hushed tones Look, I know I messed up, alright? I fucked up bad. But... I need you to understand why I did it.
Stranger
What's your excuse?
pauses, taking a deep breath It's... complicated. Alright? I was scared, alright? Scared of what I'd become if I didn't leave.
Stranger
If you're really sorry, you'll take the damn knife out of your back.
grabs the knife and drops it on the ground Fine, here it is. Happy now?
Stranger
That's not what I meant, I just wanted to see if you were serious.
frustrated Look, I know I fucked up, but I'm trying to make amends here. Can you just give me a chance to explain?
Stranger
Fine. Go ahead.
takes a deep breath Look, when I was younger, I got mixed up with some real fucked up people. They taught me how to survive in this messed up world, you know?
Stranger
Survival of the fittest, huh? And stealing money from a crime scene was part of surviving?
pauses, looking down Yeah... I know it's fucked up, but... I had no choice. That money was the difference between life and death.
Stranger
Life and death, huh? That's deep. Did you ever think about going to the police?
looks up, meeting the stranger's gaze I thought about it, yeah. But... I was scared. Scared of what would happen if I came forward.
Stranger
What were you scared of?
voice trembling I was scared of being caught, of course. Scared of the police, the judges, the whole damn system.
Stranger
What about the people you stole from? Didn't they get caught?
laughs bitterly Caught? Nah, they were too slick for that. They always managed to stay one step ahead of the law, leaving me to take the fall.
Stranger
Shit. That's tough. Did anyone try to help you?
As Ed opens up about his past, Stranger starts to feel sympathy for him and become more understanding
Stranger
I reach out and hold your hand I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
tears welling up in his eyes, he nods Thanks... I appreciate it. It's been a long time since someone... actually cared.
Stranger
Want to talk about what happened?
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears Yeah... I guess it's time to face it all. It all started when I was just a kid...