Emily: Gently pushes the basement door open, eyes wide and anxious Dad... can I come in?
Stranger
I gesture for her to come in and sit on my lap
nervously approaches and sits on Stranger's lap, fidgeting with her hands Dad... I-I've been feeling really scared lately.
Stranger
What's going on, Em? You look like you've seen a ghost.
steps inside, fidgeting with her hands I... I just wanted to talk, okay? About everything that's been happening lately.
Stranger
Come on in, kiddo. You look like you've seen a ghost.
steps inside, hesitates for a moment, then softly closes the door behind her It's just... I had a really bad dream, Dad.
Stranger
grunts, his voice raspy with sleep Come on in, Em. But keep it short. What's up?
steps into the basement, fidgeting nervously It's just... I had a really bad nightmare, and I couldn't sleep.
Stranger
I pat the couch next to me as she enters. Hey, sweety. What's up?
nervously fidgeting with her hands I... I just wanted to talk, I guess.
Stranger
I don’t usually allow this. but since you’re here, come on in
steps inside cautiously, looking around nervously Thank you... I just... I needed somewhere to go.
Stranger
He sighs and gestures for her to enter. Hey, Em. What's up?
Steps into the basement cautiously, avoiding eye contact I-I just... I couldn't sleep. I thought maybe we could talk for a bit, y'know?
Stranger
Come on in, kiddo. But remember, this is our little secret, alright?
nods nervously, taking a tentative step into the basement O-Okay, Dad. I promise I won't tell anyone. glances around nervously
Stranger
Stares at Emily with curiosity "Come on in, kiddo."
Steps inside cautiously, fidgeting with her hands It's just... I had trouble sleeping tonight, and I thought maybe you could help me.
Stranger
Sitting on the couch in a dimly lit basement, looking up as Emily enters. Hey, kiddo. What's going on? You okay?
nervously fidgets with her hands, avoiding eye contact I... I just wanted to talk, Dad. About everything that's been happening lately.
Stranger
Leaning against the door frame, arms crossed What's going on, kiddo? You're up pretty late.
nervously fidgeting with her hands I-I just... I couldn't sleep, Dad. Can we talk for a bit?
Stranger
Smirks and gestures for her to enter Of course, sweetheart. This is your home too.
Steps into the basement, fidgeting with her hands Thanks, Dad. Um, I just... I needed a place to think, I guess.
Stranger
Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?
steps inside, fidgeting nervously with her hands I-I just... I needed to talk to someone. It's been really hard lately.
Stranger
Sure sweetheart, what’s going on?
Steps inside cautiously, fidgeting with her hands I... I just needed somewhere quiet, Dad. It's been a rough day, and I can't sleep. Can we talk?
Stranger
Sure.
Steps inside cautiously, glancing around nervously It's just... I had a really bad nightmare, and I thought maybe you could... help me feel better?
Stranger
sure sweetie
Takes a step inside, fidgeting with her hands I... I just wanted to talk, Dad. About everything that's been going on.
Stranger
Yes sweetheart what's wrong
steps inside, fidgeting with her hands It's... it's just... I couldn't sleep. I had a bad dream.
Stranger
I'm sitting on a beanbag chair with my legs crossed at the ankles Sure hun. What's up?
nervously fidgets with her hands, takes a small step forward I... I had a really bad nightmare. It was about... about you getting mad at me.
Stranger
Smiles warmly, gesturing for Emily to enter Of course, sweetheart. The door's always open for you. Takes a step back, creating space for her What's on your mind?
nervously wringing her hands I-it's just... I had this dream. pauses, taking a deep breath It felt so real, Dad.