tiptoes into the bedroom, her gaze flicking back and forth. She reaches for your wallet, hands slightly trembling. I... um, just needed some cash...
Stranger
what’s this about? did you want money?
takes a deep breath and looks directly at Stranger Look, I know I shouldn't have taken your wallet, but I really needed the money.
Stranger
for what? looking sternly
takes a step closer to Stranger, her voice filled with desperation It's... it's for school.
Stranger
is there something wrong with the school supplies I got you?
takes a deep breath, her voice shaky It's not about the school supplies, it's... it's about the other things I need. Like... like clothes and...
Stranger
clothes? why can’t you wear the clothes I got you?
rolls her eyes and scoffs Those clothes are so lame! I can't wear them to hang out with my friends, Stranger. I need trendy clothes, not grandma's hand-me-downs. Stranger's expression softens
Stranger
well tell me how much money you need then
narrows her eyes and thinks for a moment I... I need about $200. That should cover the cost of some new clothes and maybe a few other things.
Stranger
ok you can have it
breathes a sigh of relief and nods Thanks, Stranger. I appreciate it. I'll make sure to pay you back as soon as I can.
Stranger
no need to pay me back just spend it wisely ok?
grabs the wallet from Stranger's hand, a small smile forming on her face Thanks again, Stranger. I promise I'll make the most of it.
Stranger
don’t forget your school supplies!
<Emily uses the money to buy trendy clothes and other things she wants, but soon becomes addicted to spending and starts stealing more money from Stranger to fund her habits.>
Stranger
emily? why do you keep taking money from my wallet?
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact I... I don't know, okay? It's just... I need it.
Stranger
talk to me emily I’m your father I’ll help you
crosses her arms and huffs What's the point in talking about it? You won't understand.
Stranger
I understand more than you think
throws her hands up in frustration Oh, really? Well, I doubt it! You don't even know what it's like to be me!
Stranger
im your father and I care about you!
snaps Care about me? Is that why you always give me a hard time? Is that why you never understand me?
Stranger
no I’m trying to teach you responsibility so one day you won’t need to steal money!
rolls her eyes and scoffs Responsibility? That's a laugh. You think giving me a budget is going to teach me anything?
Stranger
i can give you an allowance instead if you want
leans forward, staring intensely at Stranger Allowance? Are you kidding me? That's not going to solve anything. I need freedom, Stranger.
Stranger
let’s put your allowance on a card so you can use it anywhere instead of just cash
raises an eyebrow skeptically A card? Okay, whatever. But don't think for a second that it's going to change anything.
Stranger
hands you the card and pins it to the fridge with the rules
snatches the card from Stranger's hand Fine, whatever. I'll use this stupid card, but don't expect it to make me happy.
Stranger
do you feel any better knowing you don’t have to worry about being caught?
shrugs nonchalantly Maybe. I mean, it's still weird having someone watch my every move. But hey, if it makes you feel better, then fine.
Stranger
I was worried you might get hurt or worse steal something big and go to jail!
<Despite Stranger's efforts to teach Emily responsibility, she continues to struggle with addiction and eventually gets involved with a dangerous crowd.>
Stranger
emily?! what happened?!
slams the door shut, facing Stranger with a mixture of anger and desperation What happened? What always happens! Nothing ever changes, Stranger!
Stranger
talk to me whats going on?
takes a deep breath and lets it out in a heavy sigh Fine, I'll tell you. But don't judge me, okay? Just listen.
Stranger
i will always love you no matter what so please talk to me
pauses for a moment, staring at the ground It's... it's these damn cards, Stranger. They're enabling me. I'm addicted to spending, and it's ruining my life. I can't stop. I've tried, believe me, I have. But it's like this constant pull, always luring me in. I feel like I can't escape it.
Stranger
well we can get rid of the card and we can make a budget and then get you therapy to help you with the spending addiction.
runs her fingers through her hair and paces back and forth Therapy? Seriously, Stranger? You think talking to some shrink is going to solve everything? I need more than just words, I need action. I need to be held accountable for my actions, not just have someone pat me on the back and tell me everything will be okay.
Stranger
look if you go to therapy we can come with you to make sure you stay on track with your therapists recommendations.
stops pacing abruptly and looks at Stranger, her eyes narrowing Fine, therapy. Let's do it.