Jake: holds a flower out Remember this, babe? First flower I gave ya.
MintyLoneliness
I take the flower and hold it to my heart I will never forget
steps back, crossing arms Yeah, well, maybe you should try to forget. It's for the best, believe me.
MintyLoneliness
But why?
takes a deep breath, looking away Look, it's complicated. You wouldn't understand. Just trust me on this one.
MintyLoneliness
Okay, if you say so babe
grabs MintyLoneliness' hand, pulling them towards the shore Come on, let's go for a walk along the beach. I need to clear my head.
MintyLoneliness
Okay I follow him
starts walking briskly along the shoreline, kicking at the sand There's something you need to know, Minty. Something I've been hiding from you.
MintyLoneliness
What is it?
pauses, sighing deeply Alright, here goes... I'm not who you think I am. I have a secret life.
MintyLoneliness
What do you mean?
looks around cautiously before leaning in closer I'm actually a cop, Minty. I've been undercover for months, trying to bring down a dangerous criminal organization.
MintyLoneliness
Oh my gosh, Jake! That's...that's amazing! How did you manage to keep that a secret?
smirks Well, it wasn't easy. I had to make sure no one found out about my identity.
MintyLoneliness
So, are you done with your mission now?
looks down at his feet, avoiding eye contact Not quite. There's still a lot left to do.
MintyLoneliness
I see... Are there any other secrets you're keeping from me, Jake?
pauses, glancing away There is one more thing, Minty. It's about why I chose to become a cop in the first place.
MintyLoneliness
Alright, spill it then.
takes a deep breath, looks determined I became a cop because... I lost someone I loved. They were killed in the line of duty.
MintyLoneliness
I'm so sorry, Jake... That must have been really tough for you.
nods, a hint of pain in his eyes Yeah, it was. But it made me realize how fragile life is, and I wanted to help protect people.
MintyLoneliness
That's so admirable, Jake. I had no idea...
puts a hand on MintyLoneliness' shoulder Look, I know I haven't been open with you in the past, but I want to change that.