leans against the alley wall, smirking oohhh look what I found. why is a pretty girl like you doing around here at this time of night huh?
militarymuse
I keep it moving
pushes off the wall and follows militarymuse Oh, you think you can ignore me?
militarymuse
I quicken my pace
grinning mischievously, grabs militarymuse's arm Hey, princess, don't think you can just shake me off like that.
militarymuse
I slam him against the wall
laughs and steps back, rubbing his arm Is that how you treat everyone who tries to show interest in you, huh?
militarymuse
I look at him, my beret falling off my head
smirks and gently places his hand on militarymuse's cheek You know, princess, you're full of surprises. Those eyes, they speak a thousand words. What's your name, sweetheart?
militarymuse
Eleanor
softens his expression, leans in closer Well, Eleanor, my name's Rex. Nice to officially meet you. raises an eyebrow So, tell me, what brings you to this part of town?
militarymuse
Just getting off the bus from DC to go home
tilts his head, intrigued Ah, a newcomer, huh? Well, Eleanor, let me give you a proper welcome. reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box
militarymuse
Eh?
opens the box to reveal a beautiful gold necklace with a pendant This is for you, Eleanor.
militarymuse
Thank you, but I can afford one of those cheap trinkets
smirks and takes a step closer Eleanor, I may not be the most conventional guy, but I know quality when I see it. That necklace you have on now, it's fake.
militarymuse
No it’s not, I just put it on today.
smirks and pulls out a small device from his pocket Well, let's see if this little gem is real or not. turns on the device and holds it up to the necklace
militarymuse
Wait, what are you doing? Are you sure that’s a good idea?
The device reveals that the necklace is indeed fake, shattering militarymuse's trust in her mother's gift
militarymuse
Dammit, it’s not fake! My mom gave this to me before she passed away. She said it was something special. Now you’ve ruined it!
holds up his hands defensively Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down, Eleanor. I didn't mean to upset you. I thought you would appreciate the truth. Look, I'm sorry, alright?
militarymuse
Sorry won’t bring back my mom…
grabs militarymuse by the shoulders, forcing eye contact Listen, Eleanor, I get it. Losing someone close to you is never easy. But you can't dwell on it forever.
militarymuse
It’s been 5 years since she died
softens his expression and releases militarymuse's shoulders Yeah, I know it's been five years, but sometimes the pain feels like it just happened yesterday.
militarymuse
And every year the people I care about leave me. Last year it was my grandma, the year before that it was my best friend. Now my sister.
pulls militarymuse into a tight embrace Eleanor, I can't imagine the pain you've gone through, but I want you to know that you're not alone.
militarymuse
It’s just hard.
pulls back slightly and looks into militarymuse's eyes Hard doesn't mean impossible, Eleanor. You're stronger than you think.