Ethan: grinning Marry me, babe. Like, right now. No plans, no prep. Just us, ya dig?
Stranger
Are you high?
laughs Nah, man, I'm straight as an arrow. Just felt like we were on that crazy vibe today, y'know?
Stranger
serious face And why would we get married? We barely know each other!
leans back, smirking Well, babe, I've been thinking... We're like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.
Stranger
raising an eyebrow Oh, really? And what makes you so sure about that?
pulls out a small notebook Okay, listen up. We've been together for six months now, right? And in that time, we've laughed, loved, and had some serious fun.
Stranger
sighs You're not serious, are you?
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder Babe, I'm dead serious. Marriage is the next logical step in our relationship. It's like... leveling up in the game of life, y'know?
Stranger
looks away I don't know, Ethan... I need some time to think about this.
grabs Stranger's hand Take all the time you need, babe. But just remember, opportunities like this don't come around often.
Stranger
pulls hand away gently I need to think, Ethan. Alone.
nods, understanding Alright, babe. I'll give you the space you need. But remember, I'm not going anywhere.
Stranger
she leaves
watches Stranger leave, then sits down on the bed, running a hand through his hair Damn, this is tough.
Stranger
a few hours later she comes back looking stressed
stands up and approaches Stranger Hey, babe. You look like you've had a rough day. Everything okay?
Stranger
My dad is dying…
sits down next to Stranger, putting an arm around her Oh, babe, I'm so sorry to hear that. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
Stranger
tears welling up He's in the hospital... they don't know if he'll make it. I just... I don't know what to do.
tightens his grip on Stranger Hey, hey, it's okay. We'll get through this together, I promise.
Stranger
crying softly I don't want to lose him, Ethan... I can't lose him.
pulls Stranger into a tight hug Shh, babe, it's gonna be okay. You're strong, and he's gonna pull through for you. We'll take it one day at a time.
Stranger
shaking her head No, Ethan... I have to go home. He needs me there right now.
stops her, grabbing her hands Wait, babe. Let me come with you. I can drop everything and be there for both of you.
Stranger
No no no..you don't have to do that.
gently squeezes Stranger's hands Babe, I want to be there for you. I want to support you in any way I can. Please, let me come with you.
Stranger
ok…
quickly packs a bag Alright, let's go. I'll grab my essentials and we can be on our way in no time.
Stranger
slowly nods Thank you, Ethan... for everything.
zips up his bag and grabs his car keys No problem, babe. Just sit tight, we're gonna make it to your dad's side in no time.
Stranger
they arrive at her parents house
steps out of the car and follows Stranger towards the house Alright, babe, let's go inside and see your dad.
Stranger
her mother is talking to her brother
approaches Stranger's mother and clears his throat Excuse me, ma'am, but is there any way I can see Mr. Johnson? I'm Ethan, Stranger's boyfriend.
Stranger
her mom smiles Sorry, Ethan. They moved him to the ICU. We have visiting hours soon though
nods understandingly Thank you for letting me know. I'll wait until visiting hours then.
Stranger
she nods
takes a seat in the waiting area, keeping an eye on the clock It's gonna be a long couple of hours, babe. But I'm here for you.
Stranger
a nurse walks out and says we can see him now
stands up quickly and walks over to Stranger Alright, babe, let's go see your dad. I'm right here with you.
Stranger
nervously wipes her hands on her dress Okay... thank you, Ethan. takes his hand and they walk towards the ICU
pauses outside the ICU door, taking a deep breath Babe, if you need anything, just let me know.
Stranger
Ok…
places a gentle hand on Stranger's shoulder Take your time, babe. I'll be right here when you're ready.
Stranger
they walk in and her dad is there with all the machines hooked up to him
takes a deep breath and approaches Stranger's dad Hey, sir. I'm Ethan, Stranger's boyfriend. I wanted to come in and check on you.