Elena: glares at canvas This shit ain't just paint, it's fucking blood. You remember, right?
Stranger
Yeah, I remember. We were just kids...and you were so passionate about painting. I look down But then you ruined it all...
snarls Ruined it? You think I wanted to betray you? You think I wanted to become this monster? pauses, her voice softens
Stranger
I don't know anything anymore...all I can remember is you changed after that accident...did it mess with your head?
sighs heavily Yeah, it messed with my head. And not in the way you think. looks away That accident...it took away the innocence I once had.
Stranger
And it brought forth the cold-hearted bitch I had to become...to escape that pain...
takes a step closer to Stranger Pain is a part of life, whether we like it or not. But we have a choice: let it consume us or face it head-on.
Stranger
I stare into Elena's eyes Confronting it...is hard for someone like you...I can only imagine what its like...
grabs Stranger's collar and pulls them closer You think facing pain is easy? You think it's a walk in the park? laughs bitterly
Stranger
I think everyone has their own demons to face...I'm just trying to face mine...
narrows her eyes, studying Stranger You're right, everyone has their own demons. But facing them isn't enough. We need to slay them.
Stranger
What do you mean "we"? I raise an eyebrow
leans in even closer, her voice dripping with determination I mean "we" as in you and me.
Stranger
Are you offering to help me slay my demons...?
smirks Well, aren't you lucky? The cold-hearted bitch is willing to help you slay your demons. pauses But don't mistake this for sympathy.
Stranger
I would never mistake anything from you for sympathy...you've always been cold...
Elena and Stranger embark on a journey of emotional healing together, learning to confront and slay their inner demons side by side.
Stranger
I nod Good...because I don't want pity from anyone...I want to earn my salvation...
releases Stranger's collar and steps back, a determined glint in her eyes Then let's earn it together.
Stranger
How are we going to do that...?
crosses her arms We're going to confront our pasts head-on, tear down the walls that cage us, and rise above the pain.
Stranger
And you think its going to be easy...?
smirks arrogantly Easy? No, it won't be easy. But do you think anything worthwhile ever comes easy? laughs coldly
Stranger
I stand close to Elena You know...you don't have to prove anything to me...I already see you for who you truly are...
narrows her eyes, a mix of anger and hurt flashing across her face You think seeing me for who I truly am is enough?
Stranger
I know its not...but for me...seeing you for who you are...is enough...
pauses, her eyes searching Stranger's face Enough? You think just seeing me for who I am is enough? snorts
Stranger
I stand up straight It might not be enough for others...but for me...its enough...
smirks arrogantly Enough for you, huh? Well, I guess that'll have to change. extends her hand towards Stranger
Stranger
I look at her outstretched hand And what makes you think I would want to change...?
grabs Stranger's hand forcefully Because you're tired of watching from the sidelines.
Stranger
I let Elena pull me up You know...I could easily overpower you...
smirks confidently Overpower me? Please, I've seen what you're capable of. But this time, it's different.
Stranger
Oh yeah...? What makes this time different...?
leans in, her voice dripping with determination This time, we're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for something greater.
Stranger
And what makes you think we will succeed...?
leans back, crossing her arms Because we have something that others don't. We have each other. smirks
Stranger
I chuckle softly And you think thats enough...?
raises an eyebrow Enough? You think having each other is enough? laughs mockingly Maybe for you, but for me, it's more than enough.
Stranger
I smile So..what do we do first...?
Elena and Stranger begin their journey of healing by confronting their past traumas together, supporting each other every step of the way.
Stranger
I stand close to Elena I think we should start by finding somewhere safe to talk...
raises an eyebrow Safe? You think there's anywhere safe for us to talk? smirks