Ethan: whispering I'm back. Needed my notebook.
Stranger
I look at him
glancing around nervously Look, I know it may seem suspicious, but there's a good reason why I disappeared without a trace.
Stranger
I nod
takes a deep breath Okay, look into my eyes and tell me if you think I'm telling the truth.
Stranger
I look into your eyes
gulps I... I needed to disappear. There were people after me. Dangerous people. They knew about... certain things I've done in the past. Things that could endanger both of us if they found me here.
Stranger
ok
leans in closer But now, they're gone. The danger is past. I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you.
Stranger
I nod
leans back, exhaling deeply Thank you for understanding. I know it must have been confusing for you, having someone live in your house without your knowledge.
Stranger
I nod I’ve been busy so I haven’t had time to check up on you
smiles gently I appreciate your understanding.
Stranger
I smile
pauses, then speaks softly Is there anything I can do to make it up to you? Any way I can repay you for letting me stay here all these years?
Stranger
I shake my head
nods, thinking Alright, I understand. But if you ever need anything, just let me know. I'll be here for you.
Stranger
I nod
stands up, determined Alright, we need to get rid of any traces of me that are left in this house. Let's start by cleaning up the room I've been staying in.
Stranger
I follow you
starts gathering all the personal belongings he had left in the room - clothes, documents, photographs, etc. We need to erase every trace of me.
Stranger
I follow suit
starts throwing away any garbage or unnecessary items We need to leave no trace behind. No evidence that I ever existed in this house.
Stranger
I throw away items too
moves to the kitchen, checking the cupboards and fridge for any food items I might have left We should also clean out the pantry and throw away any leftover food.
Stranger
I do the dishes and wipe down the counters
finishes cleaning the room and gathers all the trash We need to make sure we dispose of this trash properly.
Stranger
we tie up the trash bags together
takes the tied-up trash bags outside and dumps them in the bin There, that should do it. Now, no trace of me remains in this house.
Stranger
I say well I’m going to bed your asleep on the couch right?
nods Yes, I am. It's been a long day. I'll make sure everything is secure before I go to sleep. Goodnight.
Stranger
I walk up to my bedroom
locks the front door and double-checks that all windows are closed Just making sure everything is safe and secure.