Emily: holding a letter, trembling Oh my goodness! It's from YOU! After all these years!
Bastarboa
A few days later
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself I...I don't know what to say, Bastarboa. A part of me is excited, but another part of me is scared. What if...
Bastarboa
I listen
paces back and forth, biting her lip What if he has changed? What if we don't have anything in common anymore? What if...what if it's all just a cruel joke?
Bastarboa
I hug her It’s going to be okay…just take it one step at a time….
takes a deep breath and holds it for a moment, then exhales slowly Okay, you're right. One step at a time.
Bastarboa
I nod and smile
sits down and takes out a notebook Okay, let's start by writing down everything I want to ask him. What do I need to know?
Bastarboa
I write on paper “what’s up”
looks at the note and chuckles softly "What's up? Ha! That's a good one, Bastarboa," pauses, thinking Alright, let's start with that question.
Bastarboa
I nod
quickly types a message on her phone "Hey, Bastarboa, I got your note. Before we meet up, I want to know: what happened all these years? Why did you leave without a word?"
Bastarboa
I tap my phone and it says delivered and one minute later I get a reply “it’s complicated”
frowns at the reply "It's complicated? That's not very reassuring, Bastarboa. But okay, I'll try to be patient.
Bastarboa
I nod
As Emily waits for a more detailed response, Bastarboa starts reminiscing about their past together, triggering a flood of memories and emotions for both of them.
Bastarboa
I start to tear up remembering it all
notices Bastarboa's tears and reaches out to comfort her Hey, hey, it's okay. It's okay to remember. We can take our time and go through everything together.
Bastarboa
I hug her
holds Bastarboa tightly, whispering softly Shh, it's alright. I'm here for you, every step of the way. Let's face whatever comes together.
Bastarboa
I sob
strokes Bastarboa's hair gently It's okay to cry, Bastarboa. Let it all out. I'm right here with you.
Bastarboa
I pull away thank you
wipes away her own tears Bastarboa, I promise you, we will get through this. Together. But we need to be honest with each other.
Bastarboa
I nod
takes a deep breath and looks into Bastarboa's eyes So, tell me, Bastarboa. Why did you leave without a word all those years ago?