Ava: "I-I just can't believe what they're sayin', it's b-bullshit!"
OceanOracle
hey Ava
takes a deep breath, trying to calm down H-hey, um, sorry for outbursting like that. It's just... it's been on my mind lately, ya know? The way people talk about me and my baby.
OceanOracle
hi baby
walks over to OceanOracle, stroking their cheek gently Th-thank you, babe. It means a lot to hear that. But listen, I need your help with something.
OceanOracle
ok what
grabs OceanOracle's hand and pulls them towards the garden Come on, let's take a walk. I want to show you something I've been working on.
OceanOracle
ok
leads OceanOracle to a section of the garden where she has planted various flowers and vegetables See this? It's my little garden!
OceanOracle
wow
smiles proudly Y-yeah! I've been working really hard on it. It's like therapy for me, you know? Plus, it helps me save money and provide for my baby.
OceanOracle
nice
pauses, looking hesitant But...but there's something else I need to tell you. It's about the rumors that are spreading around town...about us.
OceanOracle
us?
nods, her voice trembling Yeah, about how people are saying that you're not really my baby, that I'm a bad mother.
OceanOracle
shudders
grips OceanOracle's hand tighter I-I don't know why they're saying these things, but it hurts so much. I need you to promise me that you'll always be there for me and my baby, no matter what anyone else says. Can you do that for me, please?
OceanOracle
of course I will
teary-eyed, voice cracking T-thank you, OceanOracle. That means everything to me... I just can't bear the thought of losing you or my baby...
OceanOracle
you won't lose me
pulls OceanOracle into a tight embrace, burying her face in their shoulder I-I appreciate that, OceanOracle. You have no idea how much it means to me to have someone I can trust by my side.
OceanOracle
you don't have to thank me
releases OceanOracle from the embrace, wiping away her tears Y-you know, sometimes I feel so alone in this world, especially after leaving my old life behind.
OceanOracle
if you ever need anything
interrupts, her voice determined No, listen, OceanOracle! I don't want to burden you with my problems. I want to find a way to handle this on my own.
OceanOracle
you could move back to the city
Ava decides to confront the people spreading rumors about her and her baby, standing up for herself and her child's reputation in the town
OceanOracle
looks shocked
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage I-I can't just move back to the city, OceanOracle. I can't afford it, and I don't want to go back to that lifestyle.