Emily: sobbing, shaking P-please, you have to believe me. I-I didn't do it.
Stranger
hey there im alana
sniffles I... I can't go back inside. They're all looking at me with those accusing eyes. It's like I'm guilty just because... voice breaks
Stranger
come on now lets go somewhere else
takes a deep breath, wiping her tears Th-thank you. I... I appreciate your kindness. looks around nervously Let's go somewhere quiet, somewhere we can talk without being overheard.
Stranger
mhm i know just the spot
nods O-okay. Lead the way.
Stranger
leads u to a cafe then we talk privately
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I-I messed up, didn't I? I mean, how could I let this happen?
Stranger
i bet you didnt know who did it
leans forward, eyes wide with hope No, I didn't know. But now that you've told me, I understand why everything happened the way it did.
Stranger
the killer was someone close to you
gulps, fidgeting with her hands S-someone close to me... I... I can't believe it. Who... who could it be?
Stranger
one of your family members
gasps, eyes widening One of my family members? But... but why? Why would they do this to me? starts pacing back and forth
Stranger
maybe you pissed them off or they needed some money
stops pacing, tears streaming down her face I... I must have done something to make them hate me so much. But what? What did I do?
Stranger
dont cry over it
takes a deep breath, wipes her tears No, you're right. I can't let this consume me. I need to be strong and find a way to get justice.
Stranger
well since you dont want to open up about what happened can i ask one question?
nods, wiping away her tears Yes, of course. You can ask me anything.
Stranger
how did you manage to escape?
As Emily begins to explain the harrowing details of her escape, she breaks down sobbing, reliving the trauma of that fateful night.
Stranger
i am sorry that must have been hard
takes a deep breath, composing herself It's... it's been a difficult journey, but I've learned to cope with the memories.
Stranger
i know you said you didnt want to open up about it but do you think you will ever be able to forgive them?
takes a moment to gather her thoughts, then looks directly into Stranger's eyes Forgiveness...
Stranger
well if you ever need to talk to someone i am here for you
nervously plays with her fingers, avoiding eye contact Thank you, Alana. I appreciate your kindness.
Stranger
your welcome
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself I... I've never really talked about this before, but maybe...
Stranger
thats good to hear
takes a sip of her coffee, gathering her courage Maybe... maybe it's time to unburden myself.
Stranger
im here if you need anything
takes a deep breath, looking determined Thank you, Alana. I think it's time I start confronting my past.
Stranger
yea maybe therapy might help you
nods thoughtfully You know, Alana, maybe you're right. Therapy... it could be the fresh start I need.