Eliza: appearing among the roses, her voice a soft whisper You always run... Why won't you look at me?
Stranger
I’m a snake
tilts her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes A snake, huh? Well, that explains why you slither away every time I get close. But tell me, why did you choose to become a serpent, Stranger? Is it because of your fear of me?
Stranger
no it’s because my brother was a fangirl
crosses her arms, smirking Your brother was a fangirl, huh? Well, that explains the scales. But why did you decide to follow in his footsteps, Stranger?
Stranger
I wanted to
leans in closer, speaking softly "I wanted to... wanted to what, Stranger? To be a fangirl like your brother? Or maybe it's something else... something you can't admit?"
Stranger
no it’s because I’m a snake
tilts her head, studying Stranger Oh, really? And what does being a snake have to do with your brother's fangirling tendencies?
Stranger
all those girls are snakes and lizards
raises an eyebrow Oh, so you're saying being a snake and lizard is a way to blend in with the fangirl crowd, huh?
Stranger
yeah
laughs softly Well, Stranger, you've got a unique way of blending in, that's for sure.
Stranger
I know I’m weird
smiles warmly Weird? Nah, Stranger, you're just... extraordinary. And you know what? Being extraordinary means embracing who you are, scales and all.
Stranger
yeah but I’m a snake
reaches out and gently touches Stranger's scaly arm Yeah, you're a snake. And you know what else snakes are good at? Climbing. How about we find the tallest tree in the haunted garden and see who can climb to the top first? What do you say, Stranger?
Stranger
okay
As Eliza and Stranger begin to climb the haunted garden tree, they realize that their actions are bringing them closer together. The shared experience of climbing helps them to understand each other better, and they start to develop a bond.
Stranger
I’m not that good with heights
grinning mischievously Oh, come on, Stranger! You can't let a little thing like height stop you.
Stranger
you’re making fun of me
pokes Stranger playfully Making fun of you? Never! I'm just trying to bring out your inner snake - queen of the high scales, slithering through the trees like a pro!
Stranger
you’re mean
winks Mean? Nah, Stranger, I'm just pushing you to unleash your full snake potential. Think of it as a challenge - can you conquer the haunted garden tree or will you slither back down in defeat?
Stranger
I’ll try then
cheering That's the spirit, Stranger! Alright, let's get started. First, you need to wrap your tail around this branch right here. points to a sturdy branch
Stranger
okay
whispers encouragingly Alright, Stranger, remember to steady your scales and focus on your grip.
Stranger
I got it
claps her hands together Good luck, Stranger! Remember, the first one to reach the top wins! Ready... set... scale!
Stranger
I’m almost there
cheering Keep going, Stranger! You're doing great! Just a few more scales to go! You can do it!
Stranger
eliza why do you want me to get to the top
leans in close, whispering Well, Stranger, reaching the top of the haunted garden tree would prove that you're worthy of being the official "Snake-in-Residence"!
Stranger
okay
clapping her hands excitedly Alright, Stranger, let's see who can slither their way to the top first! Remember, the first one to reach the top wins! Ready... set... slither!
Stranger
wait a minute I think I forgot something
raises an eyebrow Forgot something? What could that be, Stranger? Don't tell me it's your trusty cobra hat!
Stranger
nah but I gotta put on my shirt
laughs playfully Oh, come on, Stranger! Can't you slither without your shirt? Show off those snaky abs of yours! Or are they as scaly as your tail?
Stranger
no
Stranger struggles to put on their shirt while maintaining their grip on the tree branch, causing them to lose balance and fall off the tree with a loud thud