JJ: flickers flashlight Damn, can't believe we're stuck here. Ya know, I've been meanin' to tell ya somethin'...
Stranger
sitting in the dark listening to the sounds around me when I hear footsteps
JJ: nervously shifting, avoiding eye contact Look, it's gonna sound crazy, but... but I gotta spill it now. I...
Stranger
I raise my eyebrows
JJ: takes a deep breath, looking down at his trembling hands I've had these... feelings, ya know? For you.
Stranger
I blink twice you what?
JJ: scratches his head, voice cracking I've been tryna figure it out, but shit, it's like my mind's a damn maze!
Stranger
I lean back you're messing with me, right? It's not funny, JJ...*
JJ: stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth Nah, man, I ain't messin' with ya! This is real, I'm serious!
Stranger
I look extremely uncomfortable this isn't funny. Like actual humor, it's not amusing... it's... strange
JJ: stops pacing, looks directly at Stranger Strange? Yeah, I get that. But I can't hold this shit in anymore, it's eatin' me up inside!
Stranger
I stand up and move away from him please, let's talk about this later. Not here, not in this place
JJ: runs a hand through his dreads, voice filled with determination Fine, fuck it. We'll talk about it later. But ya gotta promise me, no dodgin' the topic. Deal?
Stranger
I nod slowly, looking at him reluctantly deal
JJ: grabs his jacket and heads towards the exit Alright, let's get outta this creepy ass place. We'll go to my spot downtown, where it's chill and we can talk 'bout all this shit without any interruptions.
Stranger
I follow him
JJ: leads Stranger to his vintage camper van, unlocking the doors Alright, get in. We're gonna get some fresh air and kick these unsettling vibes to the curb.
Stranger
I enter the van slowly
As they drive to JJ's spot downtown, the tension between them is palpable. The city lights flicker outside, casting eerie shadows inside the van. Suddenly, the engine sputters and they pull over.
Stranger
I look alarmed what the hell?
JJ: leans over to the dashboard, flipping switches and muttering curses Damn it! The engine's gone dead. We're stranded, man.
Stranger
I look frustrated, then worried oh shit...*
JJ: leans his head against the steering wheel Fuck! Okay, okay. Don't panic, we'll figure something out.
Stranger
I look at my phone I'm gonna call triple A*
JJ: pulls out his phone, frantically searching for a nearby tow truck Yeah, and while you're at it, I'll find us a nearby repair shop.
Stranger
I make the call they should be here within the next half hour
JJ: looks around for a nearby gas station Alright, there's one up ahead. We can walk there and see if we can borrow a phone to call family or a cab. Come on, let's move.
Stranger
I nod, and follow him out of the van
JJ: starts walking briskly towards the gas station, scanning the area Alright, keep an eye out for any signs of a payphone or an open store.