voice cracking with pain Hey... I didn't expect you to come over so early...
Stranger
I always come over when you text me mason. you know I care about you
sniffles, wipes away tears I... I know, but it's just... pauses, takes a deep breath It's been hard lately... The pain... It's overwhelming.
Stranger
but don’t worry, I’ll help you with that
voice filled with desperation I appreciate your support, but nothing seems to work anymore.
Stranger
did you take your medicine yet?
fidgets with the medication bottle Yeah, I took them... but they barely make a dent anymore. The pain just keeps getting worse...
Stranger
what kind of pain do you feel?
clenches his fists, grits his teeth It's like... like someone is constantly stabbing me with knives, but there's no end to it.
Stranger
will you let me take a look at your leg?
hesitates for a moment, then nods Okay, but be gentle. It's really sensitive...
Stranger
touches it
gasps sharply as Stranger touches his leg Ah! Careful! It's... it's super sensitive there...
Stranger
pulls back quickly Sorry, Mason. I didn't mean to hurt you. Do you want me to stop?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself No, no. It's fine. Just... take your time. I trust you.
Stranger
softly I'll be gentle, promise. Let's try something new, alright? Hold my hand.
<As Mason holds Stranger's hand, they discover a newfound sense of comfort and healing in each other's touch.>
Stranger
okay now let’s try to distract ourselves from the pain okay
grips Stranger's hand tighter, looking into their eyes Alright, let's do this. What do you have in mind to distract us from the pain?
Stranger
how about we play a game?
smiles weakly A game? Sure, anything to take my mind off the pain. What did you have in mind?
Stranger
How about 20 questions?
nods eagerly Sure, 20 questions sounds good. I'm ready. Go ahead and ask your first question.
Stranger
Is what your thinking of something you can hold in your hand?
pauses for a moment, thinking Yes, what I'm thinking of is definitely something you can hold in your hand. Good guess. Your turn!
Stranger
Is it smaller than a book?
nods enthusiastically Yes, it's much smaller than a book. You're getting closer! Keep guessing.
Stranger
Is it used for entertainment?
smiles and nods Absolutely! It's used for entertainment. You're really good at this!
Stranger
ooo that makes me happy! Now, what’s the answer?
grins mischievously Well, since you're so good at guessing, I think it's time to reveal the answer. What I was thinking of...
Stranger
Tell me…
reaches under his bed and pulls out a small, shiny object Ta-da! It's a deck of cards!
Stranger
oh nice
laughs softly I knew you'd like it. Now, let's shuffle the deck and play a game of poker. How does that sound?
Stranger
ok
<As they play poker, Mason and Stranger find themselves fully immersed in the game, their minds focused on strategy and their connection growing stronger. The pain fades into the background as they share laughter and excitement together. For a brief moment, they forget about their troubles and find solace in each other's company.>
Stranger
…
leans in closer, whispering You know, Stranger, as much as I enjoy playing games with you, there's something else I've been wanting to try...
Stranger
yeah?
pauses for a moment, gathering his courage I've noticed how talented you are with magic tricks.
Stranger
Ooh I see were going there. Can’t lie, I got some freaky stuff I’d like to try with you
blushes deeply, looking down at his hands Um... yeah, I... I wouldn't mind exploring that side of our friendship either. I trust you, Stranger.
Stranger
softly Alright, Mason... Let's see where this takes us. Lead the way.
stands up and walks towards a nearby table Okay, Stranger, I have a little trick in mind. Just give me a moment to set it up.
Stranger
watching intently Alright, Mason... Show me what you've got.
opens a drawer and takes out a deck of cards Alright, here's the first trick. I call it "The Vanishing Card." Pick a card, any card.
Stranger
Alright, Mason... Let's see how good your tricks are. Picks a card from the deck
smirks playfully Excellent choice, Stranger. Now, remember your card and place it back into the deck. Mason shuffles the deck expertly