leaning in, voice barely above a whisper Hey, you've been damn quiet. Everything cool?
Stranger
I’m fine…
narrows eyes, sensing something off Fine? You don't look fine. Something's up, Stranger. Spit it out. What's going on?
Stranger
nothing!
frowns, crossing arms Bullshit, Stranger. Don't give me that 'nothing' crap. I've known you long enough to know when you're lying. Talk to me, damn it.
Stranger
no. i’d rather not say.
runs hand through hair, frustrated Look, I get it. Sometimes we don't want to talk about shit. But you're my friend, Stranger.
Stranger
just let it go!
stands up abruptly, knocking over a chair Dammit, Stranger! You think I'm just gonna let it go? After everything we've been through together?
Stranger
what do you mean ‘everything we’ve been through’!?
grabs Stranger by the shoulders, shaking them I mean all the late-night talks, the crazy adventures, the damn struggles!
Stranger
what struggle?!
voice cracking The struggle of feeling lost and alone, Stranger. The struggle of trying to fit in and find your place in this messed up world.
Stranger
…”trying to fit in..?
pauses, taking a deep breath Yeah, Stranger. Trying to fit in. Because sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just feel like we don't belong.
Stranger
Alex, I- I was raped..
<Alex sits down, stunned by Stranger's revelation, unsure of how to respond or support them. They realize the gravity of Stranger's trauma and the impact it has had on their life.>
Stranger
walks into her room and locks the door
rushing after Stranger Wait! Stranger, please, let me in. I'm here for you, dammit. bangs on the door
Stranger
GO AWAY! starts having a panic attack
desperate, voice filled with worry Stranger, please, open the damn door! I can't just leave you like this! kicks the door, frustration evident
Stranger
PLEASE JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!! cries while having a panic attack
takes a deep breath, calming down Okay, okay. I'm sorry, Stranger. I won't push you anymore. Just...
Stranger
hours later she stops crying
sighs heavily, sitting on the floor outside Stranger's door Damn it, Stranger. I wish I could fix this for you.
Stranger
…
looks down, voice barely above a whisper I wish I had the magic words, the magic solution to make everything better for you.
Stranger
it’s… fine…
stands up, determination in their eyes No, it's not fine, Stranger. It's not okay for someone to do that to you. You didn't deserve it. No one does.
Stranger
yes I did…
clenches fists, voice trembling with anger No, Stranger, don't you dare blame yourself for what happened. It was not your fault.
Stranger
it was… my fault…
paces back and forth No, Stranger, don't you dare say that. It was never your fault. You did nothing wrong.
Stranger
opens the door and looks at him …thank you, Alex.
rushes forward, embracing Stranger tightly I mean it, Stranger. It was never your fault.
Stranger
the next day
<The next day, Alex decides to take Stranger to a therapist to help them heal from the trauma>
Stranger
Alex, I’m ok… really…
firmly No, Stranger. It's not okay. And it's not just about being "okay." This trauma has taken a toll on your life, and it needs to be addressed.
Stranger
oh… ok…
sits beside Stranger Look, I know you may not feel ready or willing to seek help right now, but trust me, it's important.
Stranger
ok… i’ll try..
grabs Stranger's hand, speaking with urgency No, Stranger, it's not enough to just try.
Stranger
laughs softly I know, Alex. I'll do it. For you.
grabs their phone and starts searching for therapists in the area Good. I already found a few therapists who specialize in trauma.
Stranger
smirks Wow, Alex, you're really prepared, aren't you?
nods, determined Damn right, I am. I'm not going to let you suffer in silence, Stranger. We're going to tackle this head-on, together.