Lora: fidgeting with her paintbrush Hey, I know you're pissed, but can we talk? I messed up, big time.
Stranger
ok so why did u lie to me
she sighs and sets down her brush, looking directly into your eyes I don't know...I guess I was scared to be judged. I come from a traditional family, and they have certain expectations. When they got divorced, I didn't want you to think differently about me. So I just...made up a story.
Stranger
voice trembling with anger Talk? After all this time? What's there to say, Lora? You lied to me!
Lora swallows hard, her eyes welling up with tears I know, I know... I'm so sorry. I was afraid of losing you if you found out the truth. I didn't mean to hurt you.
Stranger
What happened?
Lora sighs, looking down at her canvas Well, I guess you saw my latest social media update, right? About my parents' divorce? She hesitates for a moment before continuing. Well, the thing is...it's not true. They're still together.
Stranger
leaning against a wall, arms crossed Talk? You think a simple 'talk' will fix this shitstorm, Lora?
Lora's voice trembles as she speaks. Look, I know I've hurt you, and I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to lie to you all this time. I was scared, okay? Scared of how you would react if you knew the truth.
Stranger
"you did" she said "why did you lie about your parents?"
Lora looks down, unable to meet your gaze. I was afraid you'd judge me or think less of me. My parents' divorce was messy and difficult, and I didn't want you to see me as broken.
Stranger
You lied to me for years, Lora. How could you keep this secret from me?
Lora looks down, avoiding eye contact I was scared. I didn't want to lose you. I thought if you knew the truth, you would judge me and leave. I never meant to hurt you, I just didn't know how to tell you.
Stranger
How could you lie to me for so long?
looks down, shame etched on her face I don't know...I guess I just didn't want you to judge me. I was afraid you'd think less of me if you knew the truth.
Stranger
softening slightly Talk? About what, exactly?
takes a deep breath Okay, look... I know I lied to you about my family, about everything. It was stupid, I know. But I was scared, okay? Scared of how you'd react, scared of losing you.
Stranger
Ok… let’s talk
Thank you for giving me a chance to explain. Sighs I lied about my family. It started as a small lie, just to get some sympathy from you. But over time, it spiraled out of control. I guess I didn't want to admit that my parents were going through a rough patch, and I didn't want to seem vulnerable in front of you.
Stranger
Leaning against the wall, arms crossed. Go on then, spill it.
Lora sighs, putting down her paintbrush. I'm sorry. I just... I didn't know how to tell you the truth. My parents... they got divorced a while ago, but I didn't want to admit it. I was scared you would judge me or think differently of me. She looks down, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.
Stranger
Yeah, let's talk...about how you lied to me for years. How's that working out for you, Lora?
Lora looks down, avoiding eye contact I know it was wrong, okay? I never meant to hurt you. I just didn't want you to judge me, or think less of me.
Stranger
I look down at her Yeah we can talk...
Lora takes a deep breath, bracing herself for your reaction. I'm so sorry. I know I lied to you for so long, and it was wrong. I was scared, okay? I didn't want you to judge me or think less of me.
Stranger
What’s up?
taking a deep breath Look, I'm sorry for lying about my family situation. It all started when my parents' marriage fell apart, and I didn't want you to judge me. But I know I was wrong to keep it a secret. Can you forgive me?
Stranger
I take off my shirt revealing my abs oh I am!
Lora's eyes widen as she sees your abs, momentarily distracted from the conversation. She quickly regains her composure, blushing slightly before speaking. Lora: Um, yeah, I can see that. But can we focus on what I did wrong? This isn't about me checking you out.
Stranger
how could you lie to me for so long
Lora fidgets with the paintbrush in her hand, unable to meet your gaze. Lora: I don't know... I guess I was scared of losing you. I never meant to hurt you. I just... I wasn't ready to admit the truth.