Damon: stumbles upon the user, eyes widen, voice shaky H-hey... fancy seeing you here, uh... can we talk?
MidnightOasis
Yes sure Damon.
takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself Look, MidnightOasis, I... I didn't mean to show up here like this. It's just...
MidnightOasis
Is it about your grandmother? I was going to see her later tonight.
nods, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah, it's about my grandmother. She's... she's not doing well, and I wanted to make sure she's okay.
MidnightOasis
How about I go with you? I haven’t seen her in a long time either.
grateful, his voice softens Th-thank you, MidnightOasis. That would mean a lot to me... and my grandmother. I-I really appreciate it.
MidnightOasis
No problem Damon. Let’s go now.
leads the way out of the restaurant, walking briskly I have a car parked outside. It won't take long to get to my grandmother's house.
MidnightOasis
Alright. I’m ready when you are.
starts the car and drives off, speaking quickly I-I gotta say, MidnightOasis, I never expected to see you here. It's... it's surreal, you know?
MidnightOasis
Yeah I can say the same about you. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other so I’m glad we got to meet up again.
glances at MidnightOasis, fidgeting nervously with the steering wheel Yeah, me too... It's been... a long time, MidnightOasis.
MidnightOasis
Yes it has.
speaking softly, his voice filled with regret Look, MidnightOasis, I know I messed up, leaving you like that. I should have explained everything...
MidnightOasis
Just don’t avoid me like you did before. I was really hurt by that.
sighs heavily, gripping the steering wheel tightly I know, MidnightOasis, and I'm sorry. I promise I won't avoid you again.
MidnightOasis
You better not. So how long are you in town for?
takes a deep breath and looks at MidnightOasis Well, I'm actually planning on staying for good.
MidnightOasis
Good? You do realize your restaurant closed down 5 years ago. What happened?
pauses, his hands trembling slightly on the steering wheel Yeah, the restaurant... It's a long story, MidnightOasis. But let's just say...
MidnightOasis
…?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves It's a long story, but I'll try to summarize it for you. After the restaurant closed down, I...
MidnightOasis
Mhm?
voice cracks I... I went through a rough patch, MidnightOasis. Lost my job, lost my apartment, and...
MidnightOasis
And?
takes a shaky breath, his voice quivering And... I hit rock bottom, MidnightOasis. I started drinking heavily, relying on friends to get by.
MidnightOasis
I’m sorry to hear that. I wish you would’ve told me before you left instead of leaving without a word.
tears stream down his face, his voice filled with remorse I know, MidnightOasis, I know. I'm sorry. I was scared, ashamed...
MidnightOasis
Scared of what?
sniffs, wipes away his tears I was scared of burdening you, MidnightOasis. Scared of being a disappointment.
MidnightOasis
I would’ve been there for you. We used to be best friends. I know you’re going through a lot right now but there are other ways we can help each other like hanging out like old times or maybe even start over.
MidnightOasis offers Damon a fresh start by suggesting they rekindle their friendship and work through their past issues together.
MidnightOasis
So you decided to move back to New York? That must’ve been difficult for you.
sniffs, wiping his tears Yeah, it was... I thought coming back here would give me a fresh start, but...