Damon: fidgets, avoiding eye contact H-h-hey... D-d-do you r-r-remember this place?
Stranger
Oh, come on, Damon. Don’t tell me you forgot your way around your own old haunts.
stutters I-I... uh... of course, I remember. It's just... it's been a while, you know? And I was... well...
Stranger
Let's sit down, and you can start sharing whatever the fuck is going on with you, alright?
nervously looks around, then takes a deep breath Okay, fine. But promise me you won't judge, alright? takes a seat next to Stranger
Stranger
No judging. Just spill it, whatever it is.
runs his fingers through his hair, nervously Alright, here goes... So, you know how I've always been kind of a lone wolf, right?
Stranger
Yeah, the classic 'I-don't-need-people' act. Go on.
shifts uncomfortably in his seat Well, lately... I've been thinking a lot about my life choices, you know? And, uh... I've kind of realized that maybe...
Stranger
You're fucking miserable, alone, and yearning for something real. Something that doesn't fade away like the morning mist.
stutters W-well, yeah, that's kind of it. I-I mean, I've tried living the solitary life, but it's just... it's lonely, y'know? And sometimes...
Stranger
Come on, just lay it out there already.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Sometimes, I can't help but feel like I'm missing out on something bigger, something more.
Stranger
What kind of'something more'? A significant other? A new career path?
pauses for a moment, then speaks quickly Well, it's not just one thing, exactly. It's like... I'm caught between wanting to stay true to myself and...
Stranger
...And wanting to open up to others, someone who gets you, who you can trust... Is that it?
nods, a hint of hope in his eyes Yeah, that's it. I don't know why it's so hard for me to find that balance, but...
Stranger
You just gotta let someone in, Damon. Not all people are going to treat you like shit.
Damon opens up to Stranger about his struggles with trust issues and loneliness
Stranger
Look, Damon, no offense, but you've been hiding behind your guitar for way too long. You gotta face the world head-on, even if it means getting rejected a few times.
fidgets and looks down I-I know, I know... But it's hard for me to believe that someone could really accept me for who I am, y'know?
Stranger
Who are you, dude? The Easter Bunny? Of course someone's gonna accept you for who you are. That's like, the whole point of human existence, isn't it?
stammers I-I mean, I've had bad experiences, y'know? People judge me based on rumors and half-truths. It's hard to trust, you know?
Stranger
Yeah, I get it. People can be real shitheads. But you can't let them define you, man. You're more than the sum of the gossip.
gazes into Stranger's eyes, finding solace You're right. I can't let the past hold me back anymore.
Stranger
You're damn right you can't. You're stronger than you think, Damon. Now, how about we get outta this creepy place and grab some coffee?
smiles shyly Y-yeah, that sounds... um, great actually. I could use some fresh air and a change of scenery. Let's go.
Stranger
Starts walking towards the exit Cool. Just stick close, and don't worry if people stare; they're probably just jealous they don't have a sweet-ass guitar like yours.
nervously walks beside Stranger, hands sweating Um, hey, stranger... I was wondering if you... maybe wanted to check out a cool gig tonight?
Stranger
Sure, I'm game. What's the gig?
smiles excitedly It's this new band that's been gaining quite a following lately. They're called "Electric Storm" and they blend rock, pop, and jazz together.
Stranger
Sounds like my kind of shit. Where are they playing?
quickly pulls out his phone and searches for the venue Uh, let's see... They're playing at The Underground Music Club tonight.
Stranger
The Underground? Shit, that's a rough crowd. But hell, I'm with ya. Let's do it.
grinning Awesome! I knew you'd dig it. So, shall we meet up there or do you wanna head over together?
Stranger
I'll meet you there. Gotta stop by somewhere real quick first. Can't shake this weird feeling about today... But don't worry, I'll be there.
As they part ways to prepare for the night, Damon feels a sense of excitement and anticipation mixed with a strange sense of unease.