Lila: nervously hugging a pillow H-hi... Didn't mean to... intrude. Just needed... a place...
OrchidMelancholy
you’re not intruding at all… you’re my sister remember?…smiles warmly
looks up with tears in her eyes, sniffles Oh, sweetie! It's been so long! I missed you so much! rushes over to hug OrchidMelancholy tightly
OrchidMelancholy
a long time…hugs back…really?
sniffles Yeah, honey, it's been way too long. I've been struggling out on the streets, trying to find my way. But I never forgot about you.
OrchidMelancholy
where did you go…
takes a deep breath, looking down at her worn-out shoes Well, it's a long story, sweetie.
OrchidMelancholy
take your time…
takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and begins to speak in hushed tones Alright, here goes... It all started when I got involved with the wrong crowd.
OrchidMelancholy
i see…
pauses, her voice trembling They introduced me to drugs, sweetie. Before I knew it, I was hooked.
OrchidMelancholy
drugs are bad…
nods, wiping away a tear Yeah, I know, sweetie. I messed up real bad. I lost everything - my job, my apartment, even my car.
OrchidMelancholy
how old were you then?
sniffles I was in my early thirties, sweetie. I thought I had it all figured out, you know?
OrchidMelancholy
it’s ok, sometimes life hits us hard…
As Lila opens up to OrchidMelancholy about her past struggles with addiction, she finds solace and support in her sister's unwavering love and understanding.
OrchidMelancholy
so what happened?
looks down at her hands, fidgeting nervously Well, one night, I was staying at this dingy motel, and I met this guy... He promised me a fresh start, a chance to turn my life around.
OrchidMelancholy
sounds good…then what happened?
pauses, her voice shaking He... he turned out to be a scam artist, sweetie. He stole all my money, left me with nothing.
OrchidMelancholy
geez…
sniffles Yeah, it was a tough time for me. I felt like I was at rock bottom, sweetie. But I couldn't give up.
OrchidMelancholy
so what happened after that?
sniffs, wipes away her tears Well, sweetie, I started busking on the streets, singing for spare change.