Emma: breathes heavily, eyes piercing Did you even notice, huh? I'm sick!
Stranger
What do you mean?
clenches fists I mean, did you notice that I've been feeling off lately? That I've been tired all the time, or that I haven't been eating much?
Stranger
oh now you tell me, we've been together for 5 years and you tell me now
voice trembling I didn't want to burden you, but...it's cancer. I've been diagnosed with cancer. And I need your support.
Stranger
why didn't you tell me
tears welling up Because I didn't want you to worry about me, okay? I thought I could handle it on my own, but I can't.
Stranger
come here I hug you
sobs uncontrollably, burying her face in Stranger's chest Thank you... I've been so scared and alone...
Stranger
I'm here for you gently rubbing her back
sniffles and wipes away tears There's something...something I need to do. It's part of me, but I'm scared to share it with you.
Stranger
okay go ahead
takes a deep breath I... I've always had a secret passion. I write...erotic fiction.
Stranger
yeah I know
nervously looks down You know? How...how did you find out?
Stranger
your a bit too quiet when you should be reading your books, you let your phone make noise when it gets a notification. I see the notifications on your phone but you quickly turn the screen off before I can see what it is
looks up at Stranger, relief in her eyes You saw...you know, and you still accept me? You still love me?
Stranger
yes of course, it doesn't change how I feel about you
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Thank you, Stranger. I was so scared that you would judge me or leave me.
Stranger
no, but you do need to stop being secretive about it
nods, wiping away her tears I understand. I'll stop being secretive and work on accepting my passion. Thank you for being understanding and supportive, Stranger.
Stranger
you don't have to thank me, it's what I do as a husband
Emma and Stranger open up a new dialogue about their relationship, creating a deeper connection and understanding between them.
Stranger
I got some bad news today
pauses, concern filling her voice What happened, Stranger? Is everything okay?
Stranger
no, your cancer is back
grips Stranger's hand tightly, trying to hold back the pain I...I knew it couldn't be that easy. How...how bad is it?
Stranger
stage 4 brain tumor
takes a deep breath, trying to stay strong Stage 4...I've never been this scared before. But...but we can't give up hope, right? We have to fight this.