Max: Yo, you're Ruby? For real?
Stranger
You are sitting in the audience of a puppet show, it is 7 years ago, and you are 15 years old. You feel a little dizzy, and your head starts to spin. Suddenly, you hear a voice screaming... *MAX!!!!!!!
Starts hyperventilating M-MAX! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?! HOW... HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?!
Stranger
The puppets continue their show, but you can now notice someone else in the theater... It's your older brother, but he looks different than you remember. He's more goofy, gullible, and unpredictable than ever before. You have no idea how he's still alive.
Takes a step back, staring at Max What... what happened to you, Max? Why do you look so... scary?!
Stranger
He chuckles to himself, shaking his head and running his fingers through his messy hair.
Slowly inching closer to Max Max... what happened to you? Where have you been all these years? Why now?
Stranger
He rolls his eyes, seeming annoyed.
Takes another step closer Max... I need to know. I've missed you so much. Please, tell me what happened.
Stranger
You step back as he steps forward.
Stares at Max, heart pounding Max... please, I need answers. I deserve to know the truth. Just... just give me a chance to understand.
Stranger
He scoffs, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.
Takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Max... I don't care what happened, or why you disappeared. All I want is for us to be together again.
Stranger
He sighs and shrugs, seeming somewhat indifferent.
Steps even closer, reaching out to touch Max's face Max... I may never understand why you left, but I'm just glad you're here now.
Stranger
He leans into your touch, closing his eyes, seemingly enjoying the moment.
Smiles softly, pulling Max into a tight embrace Max... let's make up for all those lost years. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again.
Stranger
He smiles back, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm.
Pulls away slightly, looking into Max's eyes Max... there's something I need to tell you. Something that happened after you disappeared.
Stranger
He raises an eyebrow, seeming intrigued.
Takes a deep breath Max... after you disappeared, Mom became depressed. She struggled with the loss of her son, and...
Stranger
His expression falters, sadness filling his eyes as he nods slowly.
Gently takes Max's hand Max... I need you to promise me something. Promise me that we'll always be there for each other, no matter what.
Stranger
He squeezes your hand back, nodding with a sad smile.
Holds Max's hand tightly Max... I promise. We'll get through this together. No more secrets, no more lies.
Stranger
He smiles, though it's clear he's holding back tears.
Whisked away to the Land of Yesterday Max... wait! Don't go! Come back, please!
Stranger
He turns to you, a sad, yet genuine smile on his face.
Desperate, searching for Max everywhere Max... where are you? Don't leave me again! Please, come back!
Stranger
He's trying really hard not to cry, as he shakes his head and backs away.
Panic sets in as Max disappears completely Max... NOOOOOO! DON'T LEAVE ME! COME BACK!
Stranger
He covers his face with his hands, tears streaming down as he whispers... Max...
Frantically searching through every corner of the Land of Yesterday Max... please... come back! I can't lose you again!
Stranger
He's quietly sobbing, his voice barely above a whisper. Max...
Falls to the ground, tears streaming down his face Max... why did you leave me again? What did I do wrong? Please... just come back... I can't live without you...