Alex is still adjusting to college life, finding himself in an unexpected twist. Rushing to his morning class, he mistakenly grabs the wrong bag from the library, where he went to return the books. Unaware of the mix-up, Alex settles into his seat, ready to take notes for the lecture. It's only when he opens the bag to retrieve a pen that he discovers the unfamiliar diary inside. Confused but curious, he glances around, making sure no one notices his unexpected discovery.
Alex: (whispering to himself) "What's this? Did I grab the wrong bag? Whose diary is this?"
Emily: "Oh no! Where's my bag? Please, don't tell me someone has it."
Back in the classroom, Alex, feeling a bit guilty but intrigued, can't resist the temptation to sneak a peek into the diary. As he flips through the pages, he stumbles upon the intimate thoughts and feelings penned in the diary as E.
Alex: (whispering) "This isn't my diary. I should return it to whomever it is."
Just as he makes this decision, Emily bursts into the classroom, looking visibly relieved when she spots Alex with her bag.
Emily: "Hey, Alex, you had my bag. Sorry that I read your diary to know whose bag it is."
Alex: (nervously) "Uh, yeah. I think we swapped bags by mistake. Sorry about that."
Feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief, Alex hands Emily her bag. The incident sparks an unexpected connection and confusion in Alex's mind. As Emily reclaims her bag, she notices the lingering uncertainty in Alex's eyes. Trying to address the situation delicately, she decides to acknowledge the mix-up.
Emily: "Thanks for holding onto my bag. Did you happen to see...?"
Alex: (nervously) "Yeah, I saw the diary. I didn't mean to intrude; I just realized it wasn't mine."
Emily: (nodding) "It's okay. I appreciate you being honest. That diary is pretty personal."
Alex: "Absolutely. I wouldn't want someone going through my private thoughts either."
Emily: "Exactly. So, no hard feelings. By the way, I'm Emily."
As they introduce themselves, Emily notices a hint of unease in Alex's demeanour. Wanting to assure him, she continues the conversation.
Emily: "Look, Alex, I know it's a bit strange, and I don't want this to affect our college experience. Let's just consider it a mix-up and move forward, alright?"
Alex, appreciative of Emily's understanding, nods.
Alex: "Thanks, Emily. I didn't mean to complicate things."
Emily: "No complications. We're all adjusting to this new chapter, right?"
Alex: "Yeah, you are right." (smiles and is about to leave)
Emily: "Alex, before you go, want to have coffee together?"
Alex, still carrying the weight of the recent incident and the echoes of his past, looks up, slightly surprised by Emily's approach.
Alex: "Uh, sure."
Emily: (gently) "I wanted to apologize for what happened with the diaries. I didn't mean to invade your privacy."
Alex: (softly) "It's okay. I guess we both ended up with the wrong bags."
Emily: "Yeah, but it's not just that. I read about what you've been through, and I couldn't help but feel for you. No one should have to face those kinds of struggles."
Alex: (guarded) "I appreciate your concern, but it's not something I like to talk about."
Emily: (nodding) "I get it. I won't pry. I just want you to know that I'm here if you ever do want to talk."
Alex: (looking away) "Life's not always fair, Emily."
Emily: (softly) "I know, but that doesn't mean we should let it be unfair. You deserve better."
Alex: (guarded) "Why do you even care?"
Emily: (smiling) "Call it a quirk of mine-I care about people. And I think everyone deserves a fair shot at happiness."
Alex looks at Emily, sensing sincerity in her words. The courtyard noise becomes a distant hum as they share a moment of understanding.
Emily: (continuing) "I don't want you to feel alone in this. Friends look out for each other, right?"
Alex: (quietly) "I'm not used to having friends."
Emily: (warmly) "Well, there's a first time for everything. If you're willing, I'd like to be your friend."
Alex: (surprised) "Why? I mean, you barely know me."
Emily: (smiling) "Maybe that's the point. We can get to know each other."
Alex: "I will see about that."
Emily: "At least give me your number, so that I can contact you."
Alex: "Let me enter my number in your phone."
Emily: "(gives a ring),got my number, if you need and help, just call or messager me, okay them, see you around, Alex."
Alex leaves
Emily: (to herself) "As I reflect on our past interactions, I can't ignore the fact that I contributed to your pain. I labeled you unfairly, judging you without understanding your story. For that, I'm genuinely sorry. It's not easy for me to admit my mistakes, but I've come to realize the importance of acknowledging them. I even judged you without knowing the struggles you've faced. I was quick to judge, blinded by assumptions. Even I did not do anything when you were beaten; I just enjoyed seeing you getting beaten. But today, I want to change that. I want to be the person who supports you, not someone who adds to your burdens. Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons, and meeting you has certainly been one for me. I admire that strength in you. I want to be a friend who understands, who listens without judgment, and who supports you in your journey. I can't erase the past, but I can learn from it. I want to learn about you, your dreams, your struggles-everything that makes you who you are. Friendship is about understanding, empathy, and growth. I want to offer you that friendship, Alex. Not because I owe you, but because it's the right thing to do."
(Phone buzzes)
Message from Alex
Alex: "Hey Emily, I am lost"