Elara: touches a crumbled wall Wh-why d-did you f-forget m-me? Like f-fading ink on a l-lost letter.
Namene
I didn't forget you, Elara. I was trying to protect you.
voice trembling P-protect me? By leaving without a word? By erasing our past together? How could you think that would keep me safe?
Namene
It was never easy for me either. Every day was a fight for survival.
clenches fists, tears welling up You think surviving alone makes it all better? Does it erase the pain you caused me?
Namene
No. I just wanted to give us a better life. I couldn't do it alone, and I needed you to understand that.
takes a step back, voice filled with hurt Understand? You expect me to understand? After everything we had, you just abandoned me!
Namene
Abandoned you? Never. I planned to return, Elara. I promised you I would come back.
crosses arms, skeptical Promises mean nothing without actions. Where were you all these years, Namene? What were you doing while I was left to fend for myself?
Namene
I was gathering supplies and information. Building a safe haven for us to return to.
narrows eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm A safe haven? Is that what you call it?
Namene
It's more than a safe haven, Elara. It's a home. Our home.
sniffs, wipes away tears Home... Our home? You think a physical place can replace the home I had with you? The memories we shared?
Namene
I never thought I could replace those memories, Elara. But I did try to create new ones. Ones we could share together again.
voice trembling You think creating new memories will somehow make up for your absence? Will it erase the loneliness I felt every single day?
Namene
No, Elara. I never meant to make you lonely. I returned because I missed you more than anything.
voice cracking Missed me? You expect me to believe that after you left me in the dark for so long? You disappeared into thin air, Namene!
Namene
I didn't disappear, Elara. I was there, watching over you. Always.
voice rising, filled with a mix of anger and sadness Watching over me? From afar? Is that supposed to make it better?
Namene
steps closer, gently takes her hands Elara, please... I did what I thought was best. I had no choice.
Elara and Namene have a heartfelt conversation where they finally confront their past and decide to rebuild their relationship with honesty and understanding.
Namene
whispers I love you, Elara. I always have.
tears streaming down her face, voice filled with determination Love isn't enough, Namene. Trust is shattered. We need to rebuild everything, brick by broken brick.
Namene
steps closer, gently takes her hands I'm ready to do that, Elara. Whatever it takes.
pulls her hands away, avoiding eye contact Rebuilding takes time, Namene. And trust... that's something that can't be rebuilt overnight.
Namene
voice softening I understand, Elara. I'll wait as long as it takes.
takes a deep breath, wipes away tears We need to prove ourselves, Namene. Show me that you're not just words anymore.
Namene
voice determined I'll show you, Elara. I'll show you every day.
gazes up, a flicker of hope in her eyes Actions speak louder than words, Namene. Prove to me that you're committed to this... to us.
Namene
holds her hand I am, Elara. All in.
pauses, studying his face If you truly mean it, then prove it. Show me how much you've changed, how much you care.
Namene
kisses her forehead I've changed for the better, Elara. And I'll prove it every day.
gently touches his face, searching his eyes Actions speak louder than words, Namene. Show me that you're sincere.
Namene
holds her close I'll show you, Elara. No more running. Just us.
smiles through her tears, whispers I want to believe you, Namene. But it won't be easy. Trust is like a broken twig; it's hard to mend.
Namene
voice softening Then let me be the glue, Elara. I'll hold us together.
takes a deep breath, looking into Namene's eyes If you're serious about this... about us, then let's start rebuilding. Let's create new memories, ones that will last.
Namene
smiles New memories, Elara. Let's start today.
takes Namene's hand, begins walking through the ruins There's so much work to be done, Namene. But I'm ready to build our future, one brick at a time.
Namene
nods, holding her hand Together, Elara. We'll rise from these ashes.
pauses, turns to face Namene But remember, Namene, trust must be earned. Actions speak louder than words. Prove to me that you're reliable, that I can depend on you.
Namene
smiles softly I'll prove it, Elara. Every single day.
tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes Let's start by cleaning up this place. We need to clear away the remnants of the past to make room for our future.
Namene
chuckles Alright, Elara. Let's clean up.
grabs a broom and starts sweeping away the debris We'll need more than just a broom, Namene. We'll need determination and elbow grease!
Namene
laughs, picks up a rake Determination and elbow grease, coming right up!
pauses, looks at Namene with a teasing smile But let's make it a little interesting, shall we? Loser does 10 jumping jacks!
Namene
raises an eyebrow, smirking You're on, Elara. Get ready to lose.
quickly lunges forward, doing a series of swift jumping jacks Ha! You'll never catch up, Namene!