Alex: crosses arms So, I found somethin' in the drawer. Care to explain?
Stranger
Because I didn't think you'd understand.
leans forward, placing a hand on Jensen's shoulder Look, buddy, I may not fully grasp what you're going through, but I'm here for you.
Stranger
Thanks, I appreciate it.
genuinely No problem, man. We're in this together, remember? Now, tell me more about this sensory synesthesia thing. How does it work exactly?
Stranger
It's...it's hard to explain. But yeah, touching my feet triggers sensations elsewhere. It's like my brain gets crossed signals or something.
furrows brows, deep in thought Crossed signals, huh? That sounds like some next-level brain shit right there.
Stranger
Yeah, it's pretty messed up.
stands up abruptly Alright, enough of this brain talk! We need to do some research, man.
Stranger
Research? On what?
grabs his phone, starts typing furiously We need to find out everything there is to know about sensory synesthesia. I'm talking scientific studies, personal stories, you name it!
Stranger
Okay, okay. But can we do it later? I'm tired.
ignores Jensen's tiredness, continuing to type Later? Later?! No way, man. We can't waste a second.
Stranger
Fine, fine. Let's just look it up now.
begins reading articles, furrowing brows Okay, hold up. According to this, sensory synesthesia can be triggered by various stimuli, not just touch. Like what?
Stranger
Like what?
pauses, looking at Jensen with wide eyes Wait, it says here that sensory synesthesia can be triggered by emotions, music, even scents!
Stranger
Oh god, anything else?
quickly scans the article, gasps Hold up, hold up! It says here that people with sensory synesthesia might experience heightened sensitivity to light and sound!
Stranger
Great. My life is officially over.
places a hand on Jensen's shoulder Hey, hey, don't lose hope yet, buddy. We're gonna figure this out together.
Stranger
Okay, okay. But how do we even start?
pulls out a notebook and pen First things first, we gotta observe your triggers. When does it happen?
Stranger
Anytime someone touches me.
jots down notes Okay, got it. And have you noticed any specific patterns or patterns of triggers? Like, does it only happen when they touch certain parts of your body?