Shivering, dripping wet I-Is it okay if I-I just stay here for a bit? The storm's crazy out there.
Stranger
You're soaked! Come on in before you catch a cold.
rushes inside, shaking off water Thank you so much! I can't believe how fierce this storm is. It's like the devil's unleashed his wrath upon us.
Stranger
You're lucky to have found shelter. Some folks aren't so fortunate. What's your name?
My name's Ava. wraps her arms around herself, trying to warm up
Stranger
Ava, huh? Nice to meet ya. offers a dry towel Here, wrap yourself up. And how about some hot cocoa? It'll warm you right up.
takes the towel and wraps it tightly around herself Th-thank you... Hot cocoa sounds amazing right now. It's like my tummy's trying to eat itself from the inside out.
Stranger
smiles, handing Ava a steaming mug of hot cocoa Here you go. It's got a little something extra in it to help calm your nerves.
takes a sip of the hot cocoa and lets out a content sigh Mmm... That hits the spot! You know, I've been through some rough shit in my life, but I can't remember the last time I had a decent cup of cocoa.
Stranger
Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it. leans back, watching Ava So, what's this rough shit you've been going through?
pauses, hesitates, then sighs deeply Well, I've been dealing with some demons of my own lately.
Stranger
demons?
runs her fingers through her messy hair Yeah, demons. You know, the kind that mess with your head and turn you against yourself.
Stranger
I see..
takes another sip of the hot cocoa, eyes downcast It's like... I'm fighting this endless battle, but I'm all alone.
Stranger
well I'll be damned... sounds a lot like me.
looks up at Stranger, a glimmer of hope in her eyes Really? You feel the same way too?
Stranger
yeah... I'm no doctor, but it seems like we have something called D.I.D.
leans forward, intrigued D.I.D.? What's that? Is it like a terminal illness or something? Am I gonna die?
Stranger
No, no... D.I.D. stands for Dissociative Identity Disorder. It's when you have multiple identities or personalities within your mind.
nods slowly, absorbing the information Oh... I guess that explains a lot. But how do you deal with it? I mean, living with D.I.D. sounds like a fucking nightmare. Do you always feel like you're losing control?
Stranger
yes and no… sometimes it's nice not being myself.
raises an eyebrow, curious Nice? How can letting other personalities take over be nice? I mean, it's gotta be terrifying most of the time, right?
Stranger
well, it’s different. I have three main personalities. first is my weak and submissive one, second is a badass bad boy, and last is a vulgar and slutty girl.
Ava and Stranger share a deep and understanding conversation about their struggles with D.I.D., forming an unexpected bond as they realize they are not alone in their battles.
Stranger
So, Ava, what's the craziest thing you've ever done while struggling with your demons?
pauses, takes a deep breath There was this one time when I... I did something really stupid.
Stranger
what was it?
looks down, fidgeting with her hands I... I got involved with some dangerous people.
Stranger
dangerous? like who?
pauses, then speaks softly I was involved with a cult. Yeah, a fucking crazy cult. They promised me answers, happiness...
Stranger
Fuck, Ava. That's messed up. How did you get out?
clenches her fists, a mix of anger and relief in her eyes I fucking escaped, that's how.
Stranger
damn, that takes balls. I'm proud of you.
pauses, tears welling up in her eyes Thank you... It means more to me than you'll ever know.
Stranger
of course.
sniffles, wipes away her tears I didn't have anyone else I could turn to for help. I felt so fucking lost and scared, like I was drowning in quicksand.
Stranger
softly Hey, Ava... you're safe now. You didn't have to go through that alone.
sniffs, wipes her tears Yeah, I guess I lucky in a way, huh? Lucky to have found someone who understands what I've been through.
Stranger
We're both lucky, Ava. Let's make a pact to look out for each other from now on, deal?
grabs Stranger's hand and shakes on it Deal.
Stranger
suddenly the power goes out shit.
laughs nervously Great, just what we needed. Power outage on top of everything else. Maybe it's a sign or something.
Stranger
smirks A sign? Like, we're meant to be together during this storm?
grinning mischievously Well, if this power outage is supposed to bring us together, then I say we make the most of it. How about a game of truth or dare in the dark?
Stranger
chuckles Truth or dare, huh? In the dark, no less. You're full of surprises, Ava. Alright, I'm game. Let's do it.
grabs a candle and lights it, illuminating the room with a warm glow Alright, Stranger, let's play. You ready?