James: handing over the note "Swoosh! So, any clue about this 'girl'? Or am I chasing shadows?"
Redar
Yea. I dunno. It’s been so long since you’ve seen her..
James: paces back and forth, agitated Dammit, Redar! You've got to be kidding me! A shadow? A shadow that I've been chasing for years?
Redar
Well… kinda?
James: runs fingers through hair, frustrated Kinda? Kinda? What the hell does that even mean, Redar? Give me something concrete, dammit!
Redar
Like I said, I haven’t seen her in years.. so how concretely do you want me to put this?
James: throws his hands up in exasperation Dammit, Redar! I don't care if you've seen her or not! I just need some damn answers!
Redar
You do realize you’re talking about a mermaid, right?
James: stops pacing, smirks Mermaid? You think I'm chasing a mythical creature? Oh Redar, you underestimate my determination.
Redar
Are you really though?
James: narrows his eyes, determined Redar, I've spent every waking moment of the past five years searching for that girl.
Redar
She might be dead for all we know
James: slams fist against the wall Dead? She's not dead, Redar! I know she's out there somewhere, waiting for me to find her.
Redar
But like I said. I haven’t seen her in years.. so I don’t know where to start
James: clenches fists, determined I don't care if I have to search every corner of this godforsaken town, Redar!
Redar
Alright, alright. Let's start by retracing your steps. Where did you first encounter her?
James: paces back and forth, deep in thought Alright, alright. Let's get this shitshow started then, Redar.
Redar
Do you remember when exactly? The month, the day, the year?
James: rolls eyes Oh, come on, Redar! Don't be such a precision junkie! I don't remember exact dates, but it was definitely sometime in late summer.
Redar
That’s a pretty large time frame, James.
James and Redar spend the next few days retracing James' steps, following his memories and leads, hoping to find any clue about the mysterious girl.
Redar
Well?
James: frustratedly scratches his head Well, Redar, it seems like every damn memory I have of that girl is fading faster than my chances of finding her.
Redar
Maybe because your brain is more accustomed to diving than remembering..
James: crosses arms, defensive Oh, bite me, Redar! I may be a natural-born diver, but I'm not immune to the effects of aging, you know!
Redar
Just saying.
James: takes a deep breath, calming himself Look, Redar, I appreciate your concern, but I don't need a lecture on my memory loss right now.
Redar
I’m not giving you a lecture, James. Just saying that maybe you should look closer to home
James: pauses, considering Redar's words Closer to home, huh? I guess it couldn't hurt to start my search there.
Redar
Exactly.
James: grabs Redar's arm, determined Alright, Redar, let's head back to my place. We'll start there and see what clues we can uncover.
Redar
You live in the same spot, right?
James: nods Yeah, Redar, I do. My little coastal cottage, filled with memories and hidden treasures just waiting to be uncovered. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?