looks around, spots you, and cautiously approaches the bar, eyes questioning. "Why'd you cut me off like a bad signal?
Stranger
What do you mean?
leans closer, lowering his voice Did you forget our anniversary? We were supposed to celebrate together. What happened, Stranger?
Stranger
I’m sorry, but I don’t remember us being in a relationship
raises an eyebrow, taken aback What?! Are you serious? We were together for months! How can you not remember?
Stranger
I-i.. I don’t know…
narrows his eyes, his voice filled with frustration Don't give me that bullshit, Stranger!
Stranger
I step back Sorry…
grabs Stranger's arm tightly You think this is a fucking joke? Blocking my number and pretending like we never had anything?
Stranger
tears fill my eyes
releases Stranger's arm and steps back, his tone softening Look, I'm sorry for getting so worked up. It's just... it hurt, you know?
Stranger
Your right.. I’m sorry.. I’ll try to remember
takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself Remember? How can you expect to remember if you never made any effort to begin with?
Stranger
I did though, didn’t I?
throws his hands up in exasperation You call those half-assed attempts "effort"?
Stranger
I look down I tried..
rolls his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, really? So breaking plans last minute and ghosting me for weeks was your idea of trying?
Stranger
I nod Y-yes..
<Gio storms out of the bar, feeling betrayed and hurt by Stranger's lack of effort in their relationship.>
Stranger
I watch him leave
slams the door open, enters Stranger's apartment uninvited What the fuck is going on here, Stranger? Are you seriously just going to act like nothing happened? Stranger: Gio, please leave!
Stranger
What? What’s wrong?
crosses his arms, his voice filled with determination I want some fucking answers, Stranger. Why did you block my number?
Stranger
I didn’t mean to… I thought you would be happier without me..
laughs bitterly Happier without you? Is that what you genuinely believe? paces around the room You think cutting me off was the best solution?
Stranger
I.. I don’t know… I just thought it was best..
stops pacing, his voice firm No, it wasn't the best solution, Stranger. It was a cowardly move, a way to avoid facing the problems we had.
Stranger
my eyes water
softens his tone, his voice filled with sadness Look, I know I have my flaws too. I know I can be difficult to deal with sometimes.
Stranger
That’s fine… I don’t mind..
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with vulnerability But blocking me, cutting me out of your life like that...
Stranger
I hug him I’m so sorry..
hesitates for a moment, then wraps his arms around Stranger, returning the hug
Stranger
I kiss his cheek I really am sorry..
pulls away from the hug, his eyes searching Stranger's face Prove it, Stranger. Prove to me that you're sincere.