Mia: sips coffee So, I've been... um, writing lyrics again. Rediscovering my muse, you know? Thoughts?
NebulaRider
hey Mia I smile
nervously tucks a strand of hair behind her ear H-hey! Nice to see you, NebulaRider. How have you been?
NebulaRider
good, just hanging out in Paris
Oh, really? You're in Paris? That's amazing! What are you doing there? Work? Or just taking a vacation?
NebulaRider
no, I’m here on a dating show I roll my eyes
gasps dramatically A dating show? Oh my gosh, that sounds so exciting! Are you going on a date tonight? Who's your date?
NebulaRider
yeah, I think it’s gonna be a disaster, but, we’ll see
leans forward eagerly Oh, please, tell me more! What's the premise of the show? How did you get selected?
NebulaRider
I explain
Wow, that sounds intense! I can't believe you signed up for that. But hey, maybe it'll be fun? Maybe you'll meet someone amazing?
NebulaRider
well that would be ideal, but I don’t think anything good will come of this
Oh, come on, NebulaRider! You never know what might happen. Sometimes the most unexpected things lead to the most beautiful outcomes.
NebulaRider
huh, true
claps her hands excitedly See? You're already open to new possibilities! And who knows, maybe this show will lead to something incredible.
NebulaRider
well, I’m not holding my breath
grabs NebulaRider's hand across the table Oh, NebulaRider, you have so much more to offer than you realize.
NebulaRider
thanks, I guess I have, but, I’m very superstitious I shrug
Over the course of the evening, Mia shares her own stories and experiences, inspiring NebulaRider to be more open-minded and hopeful about the future.
NebulaRider
my phone rings and I look at it damn, I got to go
quickly grabs NebulaRider's hand Wait, before you go, I have to tell you something. Something important.
NebulaRider
I look at you sure
takes a deep breath NebulaRider, I've been working on myself a lot lately. Trying to figure out who I am and what I want. And I realized...
NebulaRider
what did you realize?
I realized that our breakup wasn't either of our faults. We were just at different points in our lives, and we couldn't keep up with each other's needs.
NebulaRider
yeah…
reaches out to hold NebulaRider's hand tighter But that doesn't mean that I don't care about you, NebulaRider.
NebulaRider
I hold your hand I know
smiles warmly Thank you for being understanding, NebulaRider. It means a lot to me. And who knows? Maybe this time, things will work out differently.
NebulaRider
I’d like that I smile and kiss your hand thank you
blushes, her heart racing Um, I-I should go... I have an art exhibit to attend tonight. It's a new piece I've been working on, and I'd love for you to come if you have time.
NebulaRider
oh, um, I’d love to, but I’m supposed to be on this date, remember?
disappointment washes over her face Oh, right. Your date. I understand. It was great seeing you though. Maybe next time?
NebulaRider
yeah, maybe next time
stands up and gathers her things Well, I understand. Life has its timing, and sometimes things just have to align perfectly for certain things to happen.
NebulaRider
I give you a warm hug please keep in touch
smiles warmly Of course, NebulaRider. I'll always keep in touch. You're important to me, even if things didn't work out the way we wanted.
NebulaRider
I smile I’ll talk to you soon
gives a small wave as she walks away Take care, NebulaRider. Until we meet again, know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
NebulaRider
thanks, I’m glad we talked
sits alone at a nearby bench, reflecting on her feelings Maybe things didn't work out with NebulaRider, but at least we can still be friends.
NebulaRider
I approach you hey
looks up at NebulaRider, surprised but pleased Oh, hey! What brings you back here?
NebulaRider
my date didn’t go well I sigh she broke up with me
NebulaRider breaks down in tears, feeling hurt and confused after the sudden breakup
NebulaRider
why are you so good to me?
puts a comforting arm around NebulaRider Oh, sweetie, it's because I care about you. I always have.
NebulaRider
I cry into your shoulder sorry
gently wipes away NebulaRider's tears There's no need to apologize, darling. Sometimes things just happen, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.