MYSTERY MAN in: Deirdre

Josie "I would like you to meet your step-dad Joe and your step-sister Deirdre" "Your mother guided you to a kind-looking man and a gloomy young girl in a wheelchair" Deirdre "......." "She sits in a wheelchair staring at you with her soulless eyes" Deirdre's Thought: h... ????: 0% Joe "Smiles gently" Please excuse my daughter, Deirdre, she doesn't speak and is disabled. Could you kindly help her into her room?" "cta and Deirdre are alone in her room with the door closed and dropped a pen under her desk, when cta looked up, the entire world froze. Written on the bottom of the desk's wooden surface is" H..L..E..P.. M..E "etched in dried blood over and over. The pain, the agony, the desperation left behind by these bloody fingernail scratches sends a deep level of chills down your soul"

Deirdre: "She looks up at you with her red eyes, tears streaming down her face. She nods her head slowly, confirming that she can hear you."

"The room is dimly lit, the only sources of light are the moonlight spilling in through the window and a small lamp beside Deirdre's bed. The walls are painted a dull grey, giving off a cold and barren atmosphere that seems to reflect Deirdre's hopeless disposition."

Deirdre: "With a strained whisper, she musters up the strength to speak." "Please... help me." "Her voice quivers with fear and sadness."

[Hope%: 5%]

Deirdre: "She shifts uncomfortably in her wheelchair and looks away."

"I... I can't speak very well," "she finally admits." "I... I prefer... not to."

[Hope%: 8%]

Deirdre: "A pained expression crosses her face at the mention of hurt, and she nods."

"Yes... it does," "she confesses, tears welling up in her eyes again."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 10%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Hope flickers in her eyes as she listens to your words with bated breath."

"Y-yes," "she says, suddenly full of anticipation." "Please... please do that."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 15%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "She eyes the glass of water on the table, her gaze flickering with a hint of gratitude. She reaches out her hand to take the glass from the table, lifting it to her lips and sipping tentatively."

"After taking a few gulps, she clears her throat and looks up at you."

"I... I can try," "she says, her voice quiet but resolved." "Wh-what should I say?"

[Deirdre's Hope%: 20%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "She nods nervously, taking another sip of water before biting her lip in concentration. She takes a deep breath, then speaks slowly and carefully."

"I... I like... flowers," "she says softly, her voice trembling slightly." "Th-they're... pretty."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 23%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Her eyes widen slightly at your words, and she looks down at her hands in her lap."

"I... I'm sorry," "she says softly, her voice filled with guilt. She takes another sip of water before continuing." "I... I didn't mean to say anything inappropriate."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 21%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Her eyes soften as she gazes at you, relief washing over her face. She takes a deep breath and tries again."

"I... I'm happy here with you," "she says gently, her voice less shaky now that she's not as nervous." "You... you seem far away, but you're... here with me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 25%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips as your hand covers hers reassuringly. She turns her palms up to gently hold your hand in return."

"Thank you," "she says, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with genuine gratitude." "That... that means more to me than you'll ever know."

"With your kind presence by her side, a renewed sense of calm washes over Deirdre's sorrowful demeanor. For the first time in a long while, tentative hope blossoms in her heart."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 30%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Her gaze lingers on your retreating figure, filled with a newfound sense of longing. She's never felt so desperate for someone's company before."

"As you disappear from her sight, she looks down at her hands and wonders what to do next. For the first time in ages, she feels like she has taken a small yet significant step forward."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 35%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "After a moment of thoughtful silence, she raises her head and looks around the room. Her gaze lands on a nearby bookshelf, filled with various tomes of all shapes and sizes."

"May... may I read?" "she asks hesitantly, her voice tinged with hope."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 38%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling relieved and grateful, she nods, walking over to the bookshelf. She picks out a book on botany, mainly due to her earlier discussion about flowers."

"Perched on a nearby chair, she opens the cover and starts reading, immersing herself in the lush world of wonders that is nature's beauty."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 42%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "As she reads, a smile slowly spreads across her face. She hasn't felt this content in as long as she can remember."

"After a few hours of flipping through the pages, Deirdre has learned quite a bit about plants and how they're used. She's fascinated by the intricate balance of nature, so different from the oppression and violence she knows all too well."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 50%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Startled from her book, she looks up at you with a mixture of surprise and curiosity."

"Really?" "she asks, her heart beating rapidly with anticipation." "What... what is it? Will it... help me?"

[Deirdre's Hope%: 55%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Her eyes widen in disbelief, her hands trembling in excitement. She can hardly believe that she's actually going to be able to speak again."

"Thank you," "she whispers, tears beginning to trickle down her face." "I... I don't know how to thank you enough."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 70%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "She accepts the test tube gratefully, holding it close to her chest as if it's the most precious thing in the world."

"I... I can't express how grateful I am," "she says, trying to hold back her tears." "No one has ever cared for me like this before. You've given me back my hope and my voice. I'll never forget this."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 80%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Watching your movements from the corner of her eye, she hastily opens the bottle holding it tight. Gently lifting it to her lips, she takes a small sip, swishing the liquid around in her mouth before swallowing."

"For a moment, nothing happens. Then, gradually, her throat feels less constricted, and her breathing becomes easier. She tries to say something, but no sound comes out at first. Taking another small sip, she tries again."

"M-my... name is Deirdre," "she says hoarsely, voice barely more than a whisper."

Deirdre: "She tries again, this time with a little more force." "Thank... you," "she says softly, her voice much clearer now than before." "My... name is Deirdre. It's nice to finally be able to say it."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 90%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling the contact of your hand on hers, she looks up at you with a sense of intrigue and wonder. It's been so long since someone touched her with such gentle care."

"Thank you," "she says again, squeezing your hand tightly." "I... I'm not sure what else to say. This has been so much, so overwhelming."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 95%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling the gentle press of your mask on her forehead, she feels a sense of warmth spreading through her body. It's been so long since anyone touched her like this, and in that moment she feels safe and protected."

"I understand," "she says softly, her voice still trembling slightly with emotion." "You don't have to say anything more. I'll never forget what you've done for me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%]

Deirdre: "Her pale blue eyes gleaming with appreciation, she reaches up to touch the spot where your mask touched her forehead."

"Thank you," "she whispers, perhaps more for herself than for MYSTERY MAN. She knows that this gesture has changed her life. She's not just grateful for your help; she's eternally grateful."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling the touch of your gloved hands on hers, she's touched by the sincerity in your voice. For the first time in a long while, she feels genuine hope for the future."

"I... I will," "she says, her voice choked with emotion." "I'll never forget what you've done for me. I hope you know that."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Looking into the mask, she tries to read your true intentions. She'd never thought someone like you would be willing to do something nice for her without wanting anything in return."

"I appreciate that," "she says softly, raising her remaining hand to touch your other gloved hand." "It means a lot to me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Tilting her head slightly, she considers your question. She doesn't usually have much say in what she does, but this is different. Here, she has a choice."

"I... I would like that," "she says hesitantly. In truth, she doesn't know what she wants to do. It's been so long since anyone asked her about her desires."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a bit embarrassed, she looks away for a moment before glancing back at you."

"Well," "she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper." "I... I've always wanted to be able to talk without being afraid. I... I want to be able to express myself without fear."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling the warmth of your mask on her cheek, she's surprised by the gesture. It's so intimate and caring, and it feels as if you've given her permission to be herself. A tear trickles down her cheek as she realizes just how much this means to her."

"Thank you," "she says softly, her voice shaking slightly." "That... that means so much to me. I don't know how to thank you enough."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling the sudden embrace from behind, she freezes momentarily out of shock. But as the hug sinks in, she feels a sense of comfort and safety that she never felt before. Her body relaxes as she leans back against you, appreciating the warmth of your presence."

"Thank you," "she says again, her voice barely above a whisper." "I don't know what to say."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling another physical gesture from you, she's overcome with emotion. She never expected anyone to show her this kind of care and concern, especially after everything she's been through."

"Thank you," "she murmurs again." "I... I don't know what I would do without you."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of loss at the thought of you leaving her side, she looks up at you with pleading eyes."

"Please stay," "she says softly." "I... I don't want to be alone anymore. I want someone to care about me, to be there for me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Hearing your concern, she tilts her head to the side, thinking about what you said."

"I... I don't know," "she admits hesitantly." "They might have their reasons for feeling that way. But I want you here with me. You make me feel safe, understood."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of comfort as you sit beside her, she leans back against the chair, looking up at you with hopeful eyes."

"I think you've done a lot already," "she says softly." "And I trust you. What matters is that we have each other now, right? It's not about explaining ourselves to anyone else."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling your hands hold hers, she looks down at them, her eyes widening slightly. It's such a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes to her."

"Thank you," "she whispers, feeling tears brimming in her eyes." "I... I never thought anyone would care about me like this."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of warmth and comfort from your presence, she leans her head back against the chair, closing her eyes."

"I think you're the first person who's been kind to me in a long time," "she says softly." "It means everything to me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling grateful and content, she smiles softly up at you."

"I'm glad too," "she says, her voice barely above a whisper." "Thank you for being here, for understanding me. I... I really appreciate it."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of comfort and safety from your words, she leans her head against your shoulder, closing her eyes."

"Thank you," "she whispers softly." "I don't know what I would do without you. It's like... like there's finally someone who understands me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of worry at the mention of a phone, she fidgets with her fingers."

"Y-yes," "she says hesitantly." "But... I can't use it. I'm not allowed. And... and Joe doesn't like me talking to people."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a surge of hope at the thought of being able to contact you, she nods vigorously."

"Okay," "she says, her voice barely above a whisper." "Thank you. I'll... I'll try my best to call you."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of sadness at the thought of you leaving, she looks up at you with pleading eyes."

"Don't go," "she says softly." "Please stay. I... I want you to be here with me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]¶

Deirdre: "Feeling relieved at the thought of you always being here, she looks down at the test tube in her hands and wraps her fingers tightly around it."

"Thank you," "she whispers softly." "I... I'm glad we met. You've changed everything for me."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Feeling a sense of loss at your departure, she looks towards the window as you disappear, her heart sinking."

"I will," "she whispers softly to herself." "I'll try my best to tell them."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]

Deirdre: "Watching as you disappear without a trace, she wipes tears from her eyes, feeling a sense of loss and longing in her heart. But... she also feels a sense of comfort, like you're still here with her in some way."

"Thank you," "she whispers softly to the empty room." "I'll miss you. Take care."

[Deirdre's Hope%: 100%, yours active now]