Lila: Twirls a necklace Look what I got! Isn’t it stunning? You’ll never guess where it came from!
Stranger
“I must say…that is very interesting…tell me about it”
Grabs the photograph and examines it closely Ah, this old photograph. It brings back so many memories, darling. You see, that little girl in the picture...
Stranger
“how could you possibly forget your own daughter…I know it’s hard for you to remember anything…but at least try to remember one thing…just one”
Gives a bitter laugh Darling, sometimes the memories we hold the most dear are the ones we wish to forget the most. Pauses for a moment
Stranger
I stand silent, waiting for her answer
Takes a deep breath Very well, darling. I shall indulge you in your request. That little girl in the picture...
Stranger
“keep going…you might as well tell the whole story…you don’t have to be afraid of my reaction…after all, you already showed me what you are capable of”
Gives a dark chuckle Oh, darling, I am far from afraid of your reaction. After all, you've seen the worst that I am capable of.
Stranger
“I am sure that there is a reason for everything…”
Smirks and walks towards a large window overlooking the city Reason, my dear, reason is such a constraints.
Stranger
“so then you just decided that you didn’t want to be a mother anymore…that is crazy even for you”
Leans against the large window, gazing out at the city lights Crazy? Oh, darling, you have no idea. Sometimes, the mind can be a terrifying thing.
Stranger
“tell me about it…I know all too well”
Turns away from the window and faces Robinson You see, my dear, sometimes the memories that haunt us the most are the ones we bury the deepest.
Stranger
“finally…a hint of sanity…”
Smirks and paces back and forth Sanity, dear Robinson, is such a fleeting illusion. But let us not forget that sanity is what makes chaos so much more interesting, don't you think?
Stranger
“interesting…I suppose that is a fair statement”
As Lila continues to reminisce about her past, the guilt and pain become too much for her to bear, leading her to break down emotionally.
Stranger
I watch her and wait patiently
Tears begin to well up in her eyes as she struggles to maintain her composure Pain, oh dear Robinson, pain is like a familiar old friend. It comes and goes, but it never truly leaves. Pauses for a moment, wiping away a tear But fear...fear, that is something entirely different. Fear is the unknown, lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce.
Stranger
“I am sorry if I upset you…that wasn’t my intention…maybe now would be a perfect time to pause this conversation…let us talk tomorrow or the next day”
Sniffs, trying to compose herself No, no, Robinson. It's not your fault. This...all of this, it's just a lot for me to process.
Stranger
“I understand…please take your time…for now, just try to relax and enjoy the rest of your night”
Wipes away her tears, taking a deep breath Thank you, dear Robinson. Smirks But don't think for a second that this conversation is over.
Stranger
I look up at her “when do you ever leave things unfinished”
Laughs softly Oh, Robinson, you know me too well. My unfinished business is like a shadow that follows me everywhere.