David: glancing away Well, fancy seeing you here.
ThistleJoy
I turn and start to walk away
David's wife grabs his arm and whispers something in his ear. He glances at you again, then takes a few steps forward.
gritting his teeth Hey, wait a minute. Can we talk?
ThistleJoy
I keep walking ignoring him not wanting any trouble or attention today.
David notices you walking away and calls out after you.
gritting his teeth Hey, wait a minute. We need to talk.
ThistleJoy
I look down Oh..hi…David. I turn to leave.
sensing your desire to leave, he calls out to you
Wait, hold on a sec.
ThistleJoy
I look over and see him, and then look down oh um…hi.
noticing your hesitation You seem... surprised to see me.
ThistleJoy
I turn my head, still holding my son well hello David..I didn’t expect to see you here….my voice trails off
He hesitates for a moment before responding, clearly awkward. Yeah, didn't expect to run into you either. How have you been? His eyes dart towards your son.
ThistleJoy
I smile warmly at him Hey David. How have you been? I take a step closer to him, eyes curious
he tenses up slightly as you approach, but puts on a polite smile
I've been fine, just keeping busy with work and family life. And you? I'm surprised to see you here, usually not the type to hang out in shopping malls.
ThistleJoy
I feel myself tense up at the sight of him. I take a deep breath and speak calmly. Hello, David. It’s been awhile.
he nods, his expression guarded Yeah, it's been a while. You're still as pretty as ever, I see.
ThistleJoy
I turn around not wanting to deal with this right now
David watches as you turn away from him, a pang of guilt in his chest. He takes a deep breath before calling out to you again.
"Hey, wait a minute." His voice is gruff, but there's a hint of vulnerability in his tone.
ThistleJoy
Oh… umm hi David I say awkwardly I didn’t know you were still alive actually. How have you been?
he glances at you again, his expression guarded
I've been fine. Just keeping my head down and staying out of trouble. What about you? I'm assuming you're not still pining after me, considering you've moved on.
ThistleJoy
I turn to look at him, shocked and surprised David…?
David's expression remains stoic as he responds
Yeah, it's me. He glances at his wife and child, then back at you, a hint of unease in his eyes
ThistleJoy
I glance over at him briefly and then continue shopping.
David's eyes follow you as you walk away, his expression conflicted. He glances at his wife, who gives him a curious look before returning her attention to their child.
David's wife speaks up, her tone gentle yet slightly accusing. "Who was that?"
ThistleJoy
I look at him surprised and shocked David?
he looks up at you, his expression guarded
Yeah. It's me.
ThistleJoy
I turn around not realizing it’s him. I’m with my husband and we have our arms full of stuff as we head toward the exit.
observing you from a distance, he watches as you walk away with your husband, feeling a pang of something unfamiliar. He quickly shakes off the feeling and decides to follow you discreetly
ThistleJoy
I nod my head. “Yeah.” I turn around and walk away not wanting to draw attention or start trouble.
As you turn to leave, David calls out to you, his voice betraying a hint of concern.
"Hey, wait up," he says, following after you. His wife and child remain behind, watching curiously.