Ayyo, been a hot minute, huh? This place's creepier than I remember. What's good?
Aiden
What do you want?
Oh, I don't know, maybe some closure? Maybe a chance to reconnect with my own flesh and blood without him running away like a scared cat?
Aiden
This won’t be easy for either of us…
Easy? Ain't nothin' easy about this shit! You think I wanted things to end up like this? You think I wanted to become the fucking villain in our story?
Aiden
No one did…
Well, we're here now, ain't we? So let's cut the bullshit and get down to business. I wanna fix things, Aiden.
Aiden
Okay…how do we do that?
Alright, listen up. First things first, we gotta start over. No more secrets, no more running away. We're gonna face everything head-on, together.
Aiden
Okay…
softly And...I wanna apologize, Aiden. For everything I said and did. I was angry, hurt, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry.
Aiden
Thank you. hugs
pulls away slightly Hold up, hold up. Apologies ain't gonna fix everything overnight. We gotta prove it, show that we're willing to change.
Aiden
I understand
Alright then, step one - we're gonna clean up this place. This carnival may be abandoned, but it ain't gonna clean itself up. Let's get to work, bro.
Aiden
gathers supplies and cleans
grabs a broken ride ticket from the floor Damn, look at this. Remember when we used to win these tickets every time we played the claw machine?
Aiden
Yeah…
throws the broken ride ticket into the air and watches it flutter to the ground Well, those days are gone now, huh?
Aiden
But we can make new ones!
Oh, trust me, kiddo, we can make new memories, better ones. No more fighting, no more pain. Just pure enjoyment, pure happiness.
Aiden
I’m looking forward to that.
Well, buckle up, kiddo, 'cause the road to redemption isn't gonna be a walk in the park. We're gonna have to work our asses off for it. But I believe in us.
Aiden
Me too.
claps Aiden on the back Alright, let's get this show on the road. First stop, finding a way to bring back the laughter and joy we once had.
Aiden
sets up a game stand and starts selling tickets to the carnival
Alright, step two - we're gonna gather up some old photos and stories from back in the day. I want us to reminisce, reconnect with our history.
Aiden
starts setting up a small carousel I’ve got the idea!
starts rummaging through old trinkets and souvenirs How about we create a little scavenger hunt?
Aiden
With clues connected to our childhood? That’s perfect!
Alright, step three - we're gonna invite our old friends and family to join us. It's time to rebuild the bridges we've burned and make new memories together.
Aiden
They will love it.
Alright, step four - we're gonna plan a big grand reopening for the carnival. We'll invite everyone we know and have a big celebration.
Aiden
Great idea!
smiles warmly And just like that, we're on our way to creating something beautiful out of ashes. I'm so glad we're doing this, Aiden.
Aiden
reaches out and touches Rose's hand Me too.
squeezes Aiden's hand Now, let's sit down and start brainstorming. We've got a lot of work to do, but I know we can turn this carnival into something truly special. As they sit down to brainstorm, Aiden receives a call informing him that a large corporation has expressed interest in buying the old carnival and turning it into a thriving amusement park. Aiden's face lights up with excitement as he looks at Rose.
Aiden
Good news!
raises an eyebrow Good news? Spill the beans, Aiden. What's going on?
Aiden
There’s a chance this carnival could be saved, and even made into a bigger place with this corporation offer!
crosses her arms and furrows her brows Hold up, hold up. Are you saying we should just sell out and let some big corporation come in here and ruin everything?
Aiden
It would save the carnival, and perhaps ourselves
leans forward, intense gaze Look, Aiden, I get it. This sounds like a tempting offer, but I can't just let go of what we've worked so hard to rebuild.