expensive. I already owe you for saving my life. I can't take this too—I can't repay you."
Alex (quietly): "It's a gift, Anne. You don't repay gifts."
Anne (firmly but softly): "Please, Alex. I can't. I can barely afford one meal a day. If I accept this, it will hurt my self-respect."
Alex stepped back, visibly hurt.
Alex (climbing back on his horse): "Fine… then don't take it. Sell it, if you want. Then repay me however you like."
Anne (surprised): "Why would I sell it?"
Alex: "I bought it for you, Anne. Not because I want you to owe me, but because I wanted to give you something—as a beginning… of our friendship."
Anne stepped closer, her voice softer now.
Anne: "You want to be friends? I do too… but friendship doesn't need gifts to start."
She gently grabbed his hand.
Alex looked into her eyes, smiling again.
Alex: "Alright… when's your birthday?"
Anne (surprised): "January 15th."
Alex (eyes widening): "No way! That's my birthday too!"
Anne (laughs): "Really?"
Alex (grinning): "We're birthday twins!"
He jumped down from his horse and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Alex: "Since you won't accept it now, I'll give it to you again on your birthday. Then, it's a birthday gift—no need to repay anything."