Ember: eyes narrowed, voice trembling You... how could you lie to me? Who is she, really?
Stranger
well she’s my ex-girlfriend but we never really dated
takes a step back, breathing heavily Your ex-girlfriend? And you thought it was okay to deceive me? To play with my emotions like that?
Stranger
yes and no
clenches fists, voice filled with anger Yes and no? That's all you have to say? You thought it was okay to string me along, to make me believe in something that wasn't real?
Stranger
yes and no
throws their hands up in frustration God damn it! Why did I even trust you? Why did I let myself get so close to someone who could do something like this?
Stranger
i needed you to help me with something
narrows their eyes, voice dripping with suspicion Help you with something? What could you possibly need my help with?
Stranger
my ex-girlfriend got into some deep stuff while we were dating and i didn’t know so i called you because you’re a private investigator
crosses arms, voice cold A private investigator? Is that what you think I am? Some kind of hired gun to do your dirty work?
Stranger
no
No? Then what exactly did you think I was? Someone you could manipulate and use at your convenience?
Stranger
i just wanted to show my ex-girlfriend that i was over her
sighs deeply, rubbing their temples Over her? Is that really all this is about? Some petty game of revenge?
Stranger
yes
lets out a bitter laugh Yes, because deceiving someone and breaking their heart is just a fun little game to play.
Stranger
yes
voice rising in anger Yes? Just god damn yes, huh? Well, congratulations, you win! You managed to deceive me and break my heart. Does that make you feel powerful?
Stranger
no
Ember storms off, leaving the Stranger feeling guilty and conflicted.
Stranger
don’t go i’m sorry
pauses, turns around with a piercing gaze Sorry? Is that supposed to fix everything?
Stranger
look i know i lied but i didn’t know what else to do
takes a deep breath, calms down slightly I don't need your apologies. I won't just forgive you so easily. But maybe... maybe we can talk.
Stranger
about?
About how we can move forward from this. I need to understand why you felt the need to deceive me, and you need to take responsibility for what you've done.
Stranger
so you’ll forgive me?
Forgive you? It's not that simple. This isn't some casual offense that can be brushed off with a quick apology. You hurt me, deceived me, and played with my emotions. Forgiveness isn't going to come easily or quickly. But perhaps we can work through this together. We can take baby steps towards healing and understanding.