Laila: whispering, fidgeting Hey, I missed you... a lot. awkward laugh Been painting a bunch, you know?
Fisher
hugs her tightly, tears streaming down his face It's good to see you again, Laila. What's been happening with you?
pulls out a sketchbook and hands it to Fisher You wanna see? It's a portrait of our mom.
Fisher
nods, flipping through the sketchbook Wow, Laila. You've really captured her spirit. But, can we talk about where you've been? Your eyes... they hold a storm.
takes a deep breath and looks away Yeah, I... I've been through some stuff.
Fisher
gently places a hand on her shoulder Whatever it is, we'll face it together. We always have.
smiles softly Thanks, Fish. That means a lot to me. grabs his hand and leads him towards a nearby tree Come on, let's sit down and talk.
Fisher
sits down next to Laila Alright, sis. Speak your mind.
leans back against the tree, looking up at the sky Well, you know how I've always been the bold one, right? The one who never backs down from a challenge?
Fisher
chuckles Yeah, you've always been a firecracker. But hey, that's what makes you, you.
sighs It’s just... sometimes being so strong can be a curse. It hides the pain and vulnerability you feel inside.
Fisher
nods understandingly I get it, Laila. But remember, it's okay to be vulnerable. It doesn't make you any less strong.
closes her eyes, takes a deep breath You're right, Fish. I need to allow myself to feel the pain, embrace it even.
Fisher
softly That's the spirit, Laila. Now, tell me everything.
takes another deep breath So, here's what happened... After we were separated, I ended up in a refugee camp.
Fisher
listens intently Shit, Laila. That's rough. How did you survive?
looks down, voice trembling It wasn't easy, Fish. Every day was a struggle.
Fisher
puts an arm around her shoulders I can't imagine what you've been through. But I'm here for you now. We'll get through this together.
wipes away tears Thank you, Fish. Your support means everything to me. And guess what? Despite everything, I found a way to keep painting.
Fisher
smiles That's my sister! Always finding beauty even in the darkest times. Show me your artwork sometime.
grinning Oh, you bet I will! You'll be amazed at what I've created. But first, let me tell you about the youth group I led in the camp.
Fisher
nodding Go on, Laila. I want to hear everything.
stands up, animatedly It was incredible, Fish! Leading that group of kids, seeing their hope and resilience...
Fisher
listens eagerly Tell me more about them. What were they like?
pauses for a moment, reminiscing They were amazing, Fish. So full of life and potential despite everything they'd been through.
Fisher
smiling Sounds like you really made a difference in their lives. You always did have a way with people.
proudly Yeah, I did. And you know what else? I discovered a hidden talent for public speaking. Can you believe it? Me, little old Laila, rocking a crowd and commanding their attention.
Fisher
laughs Who would've thought, huh? The day you decide to become a preacher is the day I start worrying!
playfully nudges Fisher Oh, come on, Fish! I'm not that bad. But seriously, public speaking is something I'm really passionate about now.
Fisher
chuckles Well, you've got a knack for it, sis. Just don't start preaching about heaven and hell just yet.
grinning mischievously Oh, don't worry, Fish. If I ever start preaching, you'll be the first to know. winks