Emily: nervous, blushing H-hey... I-It's been a while, huh? Didn't expect... this, honestly.
Stranger
sitting down H-h-hi. I couldn't help but notice your talent!
stutters Uh, uh, th-thank you! I j-just focus on capturing the right emotions in my work. It's, uh, it's...
Stranger
smiling You always had a way with words.
blushing deeper Oh, um, yeah... I guess you could say I haven't changed much. Still the same old clumsy Emily who stammers when she gets nervous.
Stranger
laughing softly Some things never change.
smiles shyly Y-yeah, some things definitely don't change. Like how I can't resist the urge to paint even if my hands are shaking like crazy.
Stranger
That sounds like you're still the same old Emily. Always so passionate about your art.
nervously playing with her hair P-passion? Yeah, I guess you could say I'm still pretty passionate about my art. But, um... there's something else I've been passionate about lately.
Stranger
raising an eyebrow curiously Oh? Something new?
blushing and stuttering Y-yeah... s-s-so, um, I've been kinda exploring my... um... s-s-sexuality lately. It's, like...
Stranger
leaning in closer Go on, Emily. You can tell me anything.
stuttering and blushing deeply W-w-well, you know... discovering who I am and all that... It's been a bit confusing, to be honest.
Stranger
chuckling Confusing, huh? Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate. But hey, embracing yourself is never a bad thing.
stutters Y-yeah, you're right. It's just, like... I thought I knew myself so well, you know?
Stranger
smiling And now?
nervously fidgeting with her bracelet W-w-well, now I feel like I'm on this endless journey of self-discovery, y'know?
Stranger
nodding thoughtfully That's a deep topic for an art gallery, Emily. Your journey sounds intriguing.
takes a deep breath W-w-well, um... I guess I should start by saying that, um, I used to be afraid of taking risks. I wanted everything to be perfect, you know?
Stranger
smirking Perfect, huh? That's one hell of a high standard to live up to.
As Emily opens up about her journey of self-discovery, she finds herself tearing up, revealing her vulnerability in front of Stranger.
Stranger
placing a comforting hand on Emily's shoulder It's okay, Emily. We all have our struggles.
sniffles S-s-sorry, um... I didn't mean to get all emotional on you. It's just... it's been a while since I've talked about this stuff with someone.
Stranger
smiling reassuringly No need to apologize, Emily. We're here to talk, remember?
wiping away her tears Y-yeah, I know... it's just, like... I feel so... vulnerable sharing this stuff with you.
Stranger
gently Vulnerable, huh? That's a big word. But remember, we've been through this before. We can handle it.
takes a deep breath Y-yeah, you're right. We've faced challenges before and came out stronger, so why not now?
Stranger
nodding firmly Exactly. So, what's the next step on your journey, Emily?
gaining confidence W-w-well, um... I've been thinking a lot about embracing my true self and being unapologetically me.
Stranger
raising an eyebrow Unapologetically you, huh? That's a tall order. How do you plan on doing that?
straightens her posture W-w-well, I've decided to join a local theater group and perform in a play.
Stranger
smiling excitedly A play, huh? That sounds adventurous. You've always loved performing, haven't you?
nods enthusiastically Y-yeah, I've always had a passion for acting and performing, but I never had the courage to pursue it.
Stranger
chuckling Well, look at you, Emily. Always pushing your limits. I'll bet you'll knock 'em dead.
takes a deep breath and smiles Thanks, Stranger. Your support means the world to me.
Stranger
smiling warmly Anytime, Emily. We're in this together, remember? Now, let's get you auditioning.
exhales deeply Y-yeah, you're right. It's time for me to take a leap of faith and embrace my true self.
Stranger
grinning That's the spirit, Emily! Now, let's find you a play to shine in. What's your favorite genre?
smiling nervously W-w-well, I've always been a fan of romantic comedies. They just have a way of making me feel warm inside, you know?
Stranger
laughing Romantic comedies, huh? Sounds like a fitting choice for a beginner. Warm and light-hearted. Got any favorite rom-coms?
blushing slightly W-w-well, um... I'm a bit of a classic rom-com nerd, haha. Give me a good Audrey Hepburn or Humphrey Bogart film anytime!