### **SCENE 41: THIRD ACTIVITY OF THE DAY – UNIVERSITY GYM
The gym remains packed, and all eyes are on the center of the arena, where Ethan is positioned. He is clearly nervous, fidgeting with his fingers and casting uncertain looks at his opponents:
Zack, a tall, robust boy who can fly.
Troy, a boy with sunglasses and messy hair, capable of emitting devastating sound waves.
Blake, muscular, with the power to generate lava from his body – but, unfortunately for him, also burns his clothes when he uses his power.
Ethan watches intently, his calculating expression trying to hide his fear. His friends, sitting in the stands, start talking to each other.
Jordan (laughing):
— "Look at his face... He's scared, relax bro, just face a boy who flies, the other only knows how to scream really loud, and another who ends up naked when he uses his power, it's a piece of cake!"
Ema (worried, but trying to be encouraging):
— "He'll do fine...."
Alexys, with her mischievous smile, decides to take the lead. She leans forward, looking directly at Ethan.
Alexys (screaming playfully):
— "Hey, Ethan! Are you going to be shaking there or are you going to show me that there's something between your legs? Because if that's all... Well, I've seen more impressive things in a windstorm!"
Ethan looks back at her, his face turning red. He opens his mouth to respond, but Alexys interrupts him.
Alexys (laughing):
— "If you lose, I swear I'll carry you home! Who knows, I might even give you a hand to become a real man!"
Ethan blushes with embarrassment, but at the same time, something inside him awakens. He clenches his fists and faces his opponents. Alexys' comment made him feel like he no longer had a choice. He needed to prove he had more than just a good aura reading. His eyes glow for a moment, and he begins to observe his opponents' auras.
Ethan (thinking, calm now):
— "Come on, I can do this... I just need to read the patterns, understand their movement."
Professor Michael raises his hand, announcing the start of the battle.
Professor Michael:
— "Let the third activity of the day begin. Every man for himself. Let's see who stands out this time."
The timer starts. Immediately, Zack launches into the air, beginning to fly around the arena, while Troy lets out a powerful scream, sending sound waves that reverberate throughout the gym. Blake, in turn, begins to generate lava in his hands, but as a result, his clothes begin to slowly burn, exposing pieces of his skin.
Ethan, staying in the center, begins to analyze every move. He realizes that Zack, in the air, relies too much on his flying ability and that Troy has a weakness: every time he releases a sound wave, there is a brief moment of silence where he needs to catch his breath. But Blake... Blake is a distraction in itself._
Blake is already shirtless, and his pants are starting to catch fire. He screams in frustration, trying to cover his "situation" with his hands while still trying to generate lava. The audience starts to laugh.
Alexys (laughing):
— "My God, he's going to finish this naked! Someone give this guy an asbestos suit!"
Ethan, still focused, realizes that the chaos around him is his chance. He sees that Troy is about to launch another sound wave. Before he can, Ethan quickly approaches, taking advantage of the moment Troy breathes to punch him in the face with three punches and then hits him with a quick kick to his abdomen. Troy loses his balance and falls.
Meanwhile, Zack, flying above, tries to hit Ethan with a dive. Ethan sees the glow of Zack's aura intensifying, a sign that he is about to attack. At the last second, Ethan dodges, and Zack passes straight by, hitting him face first on the ground, starting to hit him with many punches and trampling him on the ground. But Zack manages to fly away.
Blake, now completely naked and covered in lava on parts of his body, is running in circles, trying to maintain some sense of dignity.
Blake (screaming, frustrated):
— "Shit.... I need clothes! That wasn't in the contract!"
Ethan sees that Blake is distracted and takes the opportunity. He throws a bottle of water from one of the spectators directly onto Blake, which causes steam to rise, temporarily cooling his lava. Blake, now looking like a smoking stone statue, falls to the ground, exhausted and embarrassed.
The crowd erupts in laughter, and Ethan, with a satisfied smile, returns his focus to Zack, the last opponent still standing. Zack, now furious, tries to fly again, but is clearly tired.
Ethan, reading Zack's aura, notices the weakness: he is too exhausted to maintain the flight for long. Taking advantage of this, Ethan uses a cunning strategy. He starts running in circles, pretending he's about to get hit. This causes Zack to spend even more energy, trying to follow him from above.
Then, at the exact moment, Ethan suddenly bends down, and Zack, without the strength to maneuver in time, falls heavily to the ground.
Ethan (breathing but triumphant):
— "That... was close."
The crowd, still laughing about the Blake episode, begins to applaud. Ethan won, not with brute force, but with intelligence and observation. He walks over to his friends, exhausted but with a shy smile.
Alexys (shouting, with a mixture of pride and mockery):
— "Look who made it! I thought I was going to need to rescue you, but you did well, sweetie!"
Jordan laughs and hits Ethan on the shoulder, which almost makes him fall to the ground.
Jordan:
— "Not bad, Ethan. I thought you were going to mess yourself up!"
Ema, with a shy but clearly proud smile, whispers to Ethan.
Emma (calmly):
— "You were incredible... I knew you could do it."
Ethan, still blushing from Alexys' comment, responds with a nervous chuckle.
Ethan:
— "It was pure luck... and maybe a little help from the fact that one of them was... well, naked."
Alexys laughs again.
Alexys:
— "Ah, Ethan, you're awesome! Next time, let me know before you put on that show. I'll bring you popcorn."
Meanwhile, Blake, still trying to cover his private parts with a towel, runs out of the gym, much to the delight of everyone present.
Sinclair, observing everything from afar, raises an eyebrow thoughtfully. He begins to see Ethan's potential, but also notices that the boy has an unusual ability: the power of detailed observation. Something that may be more useful than it seems._
Sinclair (to himself, in a sarcastic tone):
— "This boy may be more interesting than he seems... And much more dangerous too."
The activity ends with Ethan as the winner, and everyone still laughing at the unexpected spectacle.
### **SCENE 42: FOURTH AND LAST ACTIVITY OF THE DAY – UNIVERSITY GYM
The gym is silent, waiting for the last fight of the day to begin. In the center of the arena, Jordan stretches, his muscles tensed and ready for battle. He takes a deep breath, trying to control his anxiety. This time, he can't let himself be carried away by brute force alone. The fight against Ryan at the party is still fresh in his mind.
Alexys, sitting in the stands with her friends, watches with a mischievous smile on her face.
Alexys (shouting, provocatively):
— "Hey, Jordan, try not to act like a troglodyte this time! I like muscles, but brains are sexy too, you know?"
Jordan laughs, but knows she's right. He looks at his opponents:
Kyle, a skinny boy with glasses who can shrink to the size of an ant.
Lana, a tall and athletic girl, with the power to create bladed weapons instantly.
Maya, a slender young woman, with a dangerous look and the power to paralyze anyone she touches.
Ryan, with his calm, goth demeanor, is sitting in the back, watching intently, not saying a word but clearly attentive. Ema and Ethan also watch, both visibly nervous for Jordan.
Jordan does a final stretch and enters the arena, muttering to himself:
Jordan (thinking):
— "Okay... this time I'm going to use my head. I can't just rely on strength."
Professor Michael raises his hand, announcing the start of the fight.
Professor Michael:
— "Last battle of the day. Every man for himself, and remember: use your skills intelligently."
Kyle immediately shrinks to the size of an ant, almost completely disappearing from sight. Lana summons two short swords from her hands, while Maya begins to slowly approach, trying to touch someone to paralyze them. Jordan watches every move carefully.
Jordan knows that if he is touched by Maya, he will be out of commission. And Kyle is nearly invisible, which makes him even more dangerous.
Jordan (thinking):
— "If I force an attack without thinking, I'll end up like an idiot again."
Lana is the first to act, quickly advancing towards Jordan, brandishing her swords. He blocks the first blow with his forearm, but feels the impact. Her weapons are more powerful than they seem. He jumps back, but then Maya sneaks up, trying to touch his arm.
Jordan throws himself to the ground to avoid the touch, rolling away. He quickly realizes he is being cornered. But then, he gets an idea.
Jordan (thinking):
— "If I can't see Kyle, then I'll make him show up."
Using his super strength, Jordan punches the ground hard enough to create a small shockwave. The entire gym shakes, and small debris starts flying through the air. Amidst the dust and debris, Kyle, who was trying to get closer to Jordan, is thrown out of hiding, flying through the air until he returns to his normal size.
Kyle (screaming in surprise):
— "Damn!"
Lana, taking advantage of the distraction, advances with her swords raised. She attempts a frontal attack, but Jordan grabs one of the blades with his bare hands, crushing it with his brute strength. He smiles at her, but before he can do anything, he feels Maya trying to get closer again.
Jordan (smiling, playfully):
— "Almost, but not today girl!"
He turns his body, avoiding Maya and giving a quick kick that temporarily knocks her away. She stumbles back, clearly irritated.
Alexys, in the stands, wastes no time.
Alexys (laughing and shouting):
— "So, Jordan, is this how you deal with girls? I thought you were the heartthrob here!"
Jordan rolls his eyes but laughs. He sees Kyle coming towards him again, now normal size. But this time, Jordan is ready. He reaches down, grabs Kyle by the collar and throws him across the arena with ease, causing him to hit the wall with a heavy thud.
Lana, furious at having lost one of her swords, creates two more and begins attacking him again. Jordan, knowing he can't underestimate her, blocks her with one arm, while using the other to disarm her. He punches her straight in the stomach, causing her to lose her breath and fall to her knees, and then another punch that sends her sprawling.
Now only Maya was left, and she was furious. She tries one last time to get closer to touch Jordan, but he already knows the trick. He waits until the last second, and when she's inches away from touching him, he leaps back, using his super strength to propel himself through the air.
Maya, frustrated, loses her balance and falls to the floor. Jordan lands softly, laughing.
Jordan (teasing, smiling):
— "It looks like you're going to need a new strategy."
Maya, furious, tries to get up, but before she can, Jordan gently pins her to the ground, placing a foot on her arm to stop her from moving. He looks out at the audience, especially Ryan, who watches silently.
Ryan, still serious, just crosses his arms, without making any comments. Alexys, on the other hand, doesn't hold back.
Alexys (screaming, excited):
— "Now yes! That's the Jordan I wanted to see!"
Ethan and Ema look at him in awe, while Ema murmurs, almost shyly.
Ema (quietly):
— "He was... impressive."
Jordan raises his arms, clearly pleased with his victory, but this time, without the overblown ego. He knew he won with more than just brute strength – he used his head.
Michael nods, satisfied.
Professor Michael:
— "Fight over. Jordan is the winner."
The crowd cheers, and Jordan walks up to his friends with a triumphant smile.
Alexys (with a mischievous smile):
— "I can't believe you managed not to be a complete idiot this time!"
Jordan (laughing):
— "Yeah, maybe I learned something after all."
Ryan (finally speaking, with his calm tone):
— "It wasn't so bad... this time."
Jordan smiles at Ryan, feeling like she's somehow finally managed to prove something to him.
The group laughs, and the camera focuses on Jordan, who now, after a more strategic and less impulsive fight, seems more confident than ever.
### ** SCENE 43: SINCLAIR LEAVING THE GYM
Sinclair stands up from the bleachers in the gym, adjusting his black suit with a thoughtful look. He walks towards the exit, his expression enigmatic and slightly amused. The day's activities showed potential, but also the need to further sharpen the students. He knew what was coming.
As he approaches the doors, a light breeze passes him by, and he looks back, his eyes briefly settling on Alexys, who is still sitting with her group of friends, laughing and joking. He narrows his eyes, clearly remembering something, or someone, but doesn't say anything. Sinclair leaves quietly.
PROFESSOR MICHAEL'S FINAL SPEECH
Michael walks to the center of the gym, his voice echoing over the speakers. All the students are still present, some tired from battles, others with looks of anxiety or excitement for the upcoming activities.
Professor Michael (in a serious but provocative tone):
— "Congratulations to everyone who participated today. You put on a great show, but remember... this was just the beginning."
The audience murmurs as he walks from side to side, leaving suspense in the air.
Professor Michael (with a smile):
— "In the next activity, things are going to get more... intense. The best will fight, and new challenges will be thrown at you. We're here to select the top ten in the rankings. Get ready, because from now on, it won't just be about strength or skill. You will need strategy, intelligence... and, of course, courage."
The crowd of students begins to whisper, all trying to figure out what he meant by "new challenges."
Professor Michael (finishing, with a mischievous gleam in his eyes):
— "So... enjoy the night, relax... because in the next activities you'll wish you hadn't underestimated what's coming."
END OF THE DAY – IN THE DORMITORY
The group of friends is gathered in the bedroom, spread out across the sofa and chairs. Jordan, still excited from the victory, is lying with his feet on the table, while Ethan, Alexys, and Ema are around, discussing the upcoming challenges.
Jordan (laughing, slapping his hands on his thighs):
— "If the next challenge is like today, I'm in! But something tells me that that old bastard Sinclair is up to something..."
Alexys (with a provocative smile):
— "Ah, of course he is. The guy is planning something big, I bet. He wouldn't be so interested in separating us into the top ten for nothing. I bet he has some crazy plan to test us... or whatever. , who knows, maybe pit us against Andrew Star again. That mysterious blonde always appears at the most convenient times."
Ethan (thoughtful, but with a sarcastic touch):
— "Look, it could be. But the worst won't be Sinclair or Andrew. The worst will be competing among ourselves. I saw what you did today. And I confess... I'm not the best fighter here. But I know how to observe. And I know one thing..."
He pauses, his eyes fixed on his friends.
Ethan (continuing):
— "None of us are going to get out of this without getting our hands dirty. And if it's every man for himself... it will be even worse."
Ema, quiet as always, finally speaks, her voice shy but determined:
Ema (calm but firm):
— "If we're going to face each other... we're going to need a plan. Something to keep us on top, but without losing what we have. I don't want... to end up fighting with you."
Jordan leans in, with a teasing but sincere smile:
Jordan (laughing):
— "Relax, Ema. If you fight me, I promise I'll take it easy."
Alexys (interrupting, maliciously):
— "Ah, but you know she would crush you, Jordan. You saw what she did to those plants, right?"
Jordan rolls his eyes but gives a playful smile.
The group falls into a momentary silence. Everyone knew that Sinclair wasn't the kind of person who did things for no reason.
Alexys (breaking the silence, with a smirk):
— "What if we turned the tables? Like... I don't know, find out what this old man is planning before he takes the next step?"
Ethan (raising an eyebrow, intrigued):
— "Are you suggesting that we... spy on the director? That would be... interesting. Risky, but interesting."
Jordan (laughing):
— "I'm in! If we can put that old man in his place, it's worth the fun."
Ema looks at her friends, nervous about the idea, but nods.
Ema (whispering):
— "If it helps us stay together... then I'm in too."
Alexys stands up, stretching her arms and with that mischievous smile on her face.
Alexys:
— "So it's decided. We need to come up with a plan. Let's find out what Sinclair is up to. And when he least expects it... we'll turn the tide."
The camera focuses on Alexys, her determined and mischievous look. Night falls outside, and the group begins to discuss more details of the plan.
FINAL SCENE
The gym is empty now, only Sinclair walks through the dark hallways, a faint smile on his lips. He stops in front of a large panel that displays the ranking of the students, fixing his gaze on some names: Alexys, Ethan, Ryan, Ema, Janie.
Sinclair (mumbling to himself):
— "Soon... very soon... we'll see who really has what it takes."
He turns slowly, leaving the gym as the lights go out one by one.
### **SCENE 44: REFEITORY - MORNING
Georgie is sitting at a secluded table in the cafeteria, her laptop open in front of her. The cafeteria is starting to fill with students chatting and eating, but she is oblivious to the movement around her. The laptop screen displays a series of old photographs.
Georgie (in thought, with a melancholy and focused expression):
— "It's still hard to believe he's gone..."
As she browses through the images, her eyes settle on a particularly old photo, where a boy with blond hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera, in a sunny park. Next to him is a small girl, also blonde, with a radiant smile. It's a photo of Georgie and her younger brother Leo, taken when they were just seven and five years old respectively.
Georgie (in a low voice, to herself):
— "Leo... You're in there somewhere. I'll find you."
Georgie begins to recall a specific moment in the photo, where she and Leo are playing in the park. The memory is vivid: he is chasing a ball, laughing as she watches him, with a gentle smile and an adoring expression.
Georgie (in thought, with a tone of longing and determination):
— "I remember the way he was chasing that ball, laughing and laughing. It was like nothing could go wrong. And now, everything is so... empty."
Her gaze drifts to a new photo where she is alone with her parents, a reminder of the past that now seems distant. The parents' smile, which seems so happy and united, contrasts sharply with Georgie's loneliness now.
Georgie (with growing determination):
— "I promise myself. No matter what I have to do, I will find you, Leo. I will use everything I have to bring you back."
She closes the laptop with a decisive click, her expression now focused and resolute. He stands up, and there is a new determination in his steps, an inner strength fueled by hope and the desire to reunite his family.
Georgie (quietly but firmly):
— "I won't stop until you're back, and that's a promise."
Georgie walks slowly out of the cafeteria, her gaze straight ahead, a mix of sadness and determination in her eyes. She knows the road ahead is full of challenges, but also of resolute hope.
The camera follows her as she walks away, the morning light filtering through the windows, creating a play of shadows and lights around her. The scene ends with Georgie walking out the door, her gaze determined, with the promise that her quest is just beginning.
### **SCENE 45: EXTERNAL AREA OF THE UNIVERSITY – MEETING POINT FOR THE FOUR FRIENDS
Alexys, Ethan, Ema, and Jordan are gathered in a discreet corner of the university's outdoor area, close to some trees and benches, away from the noise of other students. The atmosphere is tense, but full of determination. Alexys, as always, brings an air of mischief and irreverence, while the others have more serious expressions.
Ethan (with a calculating but friendly tone):
— "So, are we decided? If we want to survive this ranking and, more importantly, find out what Sinclair is really planning, we need allies. Information will be essential, but so will power."
Alexys (with a depraved and playful smile):
— "Ah, Ethan, you and your 'impeccable logic'. But I have to admit, it makes sense. We need someone who can complement what we already have. And maybe a little extra help for those… difficult times, if you know what I mean."
Jordan (leaning against the wall, with that carefree heartthrob look):
— "You can already see that these challenges are not just for fun. Sinclair has some dark plan in mind, and I don't want to be unprepared when it comes to light. I think each of us should look for allies who really fit our strategy."
Ema (timidly, but with a glow of determination):
— "Yes... But we have to be careful. Not everyone will want to join us, and some may side with Sinclair without us knowing. We have to choose well."
Alexys (shrugs, with a provocative smile):
— "Relax, Ema, it's not like we're going to trust anyone who shows up. I have my targets, and I think I can convince them, or at least try."
Ethan (raising an eyebrow, suspicious):
— "And who exactly do you have in mind, Alexys? Because, honestly, if it's another one of your crazy ideas..."
Alexys (interrupting with a sarcastic smile):
— "Calm down, sweetie, I won't ruin everything. But I was thinking about Ryan, Janie, and even Emily. They may be weird, but they have useful powers. Ryan with shadows and teleportation, Janie with that annoying super speed, and Emily... Well, who knows what that weird nerd is discovering with her ice powers?"
Jordan (crossing his arms, skeptical):
— "Do you think Ryan will agree? The guy barely talks to us, and the last time we tried something, he ignored you."
Alexys (laughing):
— "Oh, Ryan? He just needs a little push. Maybe a... 'persuasive' conversation. You guys keep an eye on what's going on out there. I take care of him and the girls."
Ethan (laughing):
— "Good luck with that, Alexys. But be careful not to end up getting dumped... again."
Alexys (making a dismissive gesture with her hand):
— "Please, love, outside is not my style. I play at my own pace."
UNIVERSITY CORRIDORS – ON THE WAY TO RYAN'S GROUP IN SEARCH FOR ALLIES
Alexys walks down the hall, with firm and confident steps. She knows where to find Ryan, Emily and Janie. When he arrives at the area where they usually stay, near the cafeteria, he sees the three of them sitting at a table, talking casually. Ryan looks bored, Janie has her usual smug smile, and Emily is focused on her laptop.
Alexys approaches, with her usual air of malice.
Alexys (smiling, with her gaze fixed on Ryan):
— "So, my favorite goths. Can I sit?"
Ryan (without even looking up, already disinterested):
— "If you're quick."
Janie (with a raised eyebrow and a sarcastic smile):
— "What do you want, Alexys? It seems like you only show up when you need something."
Alexys (laughing, without feeling shaken):
— "Ah, Janie, you know me so well. And yes, maybe I need something. But it's not just me, actually. We are all in this boat together. Sinclair is pulling some strings, and if you haven't noticed, things are going to get heated fast."
Emily (still without looking up from the laptop):
— "And what does this have to do with us?"
Alexys (staring at Ryan, ignoring the others):
— "I need strong people by my side, Ryan. You with your shadows, me with the wind, we can cause damage together. And with the other two here, we can put together a respectful team. What do you say?"
Ryan (finally looking at her, looking bored):
— "I say I don't care. I told you before, Alexys, I'm not in it for the glory or the alliances. I do what I need to do for me, and only for me."
Janie (snickering):
— "Ah, Alexys, did you really think Ryan would agree? The guy barely cares about his own ranking, let alone his plan."
Alexys (facing Janie with a sarcastic smile):
— "What about you, Janie? So powerful with your super speed... why don't you help us do something great? Maybe you can even prove that you're faster than you look."
Janie (smiling but shaking her head):
— "Thanks, but no. I prefer to shine alone. Groups are a distraction."
Emily (closing the laptop, with a heavy sigh):
- "And me? Well, I have my own interests. And no, I won't share. But… good luck."
Alexys (rolling her eyes, frustrated, but still playful):
— "Ah, you are impossible. You know you're missing a great opportunity, right?"
Ryan (getting up, finally ending the conversation):
— "It's not an opportunity if it doesn't interest me. If you want to play heroine, go ahead, Alexys. But leave me out of this."
Alexys watches as the three walk away, with a smile mixed between amusement and frustration. She knew it would be difficult to convince them, but still, she wasn't willing to give up.
Alexys (whispering to herself):
— "Okay, you stubborn ones. When things catch fire, don't say I didn't warn you."
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY – IN SEARCH OF ALLIES
Ema is walking through the silent halls of the library, still mulling over her plan to find allies. She is nervous but determined. In the distance, she sees Georgie, sitting at one of the more isolated tables, focused on her laptop, as usual. Georgie appears completely oblivious to the world around her, with her large headphones covering her ears. She's always so reserved, so cold... but there's something in her eyes, something that Ema can't ignore.
Ema hesitates for a moment, her thoughts wandering. She knows she has feelings for Georgie. He can't help but wonder what it would be like to flirt with her, but he soon forces himself to focus on the mission. This is no time for distractions... Or maybe it's the perfect time.
Ema takes a deep breath, approaching.
Ema (thinking, with a touch of shyness):
— She never notices me. But maybe, just maybe, I'll get a break today. And who knows...
She stops next to Georgie, waiting for the blonde girl to look up. But Georgie remains focused on the laptop screen, completely ignoring Ema's presence.
Ema (trying to make herself heard, but without being invasive):
— "Hey, Georgie. I... I wanted to talk to you about something."
Georgie doesn't even react. She continues typing, immersed in the old photos on the laptop, where images of her family and, especially, her missing brother appear on the screen. She adjusts her headphones, clearly uncomfortable with any attempt at interaction.
Ema, realizing that Georgie isn't going to turn around, takes the courage to pull up a chair and sit in front of her. She stares at the girl for a moment, searching for what to say.
Ema (with a shy but sincere smile):
— "I know you don't really like talking to people, but... you always seem so distant, so... bothered by something. I know I might not understand everything that's happening to you, but I I've also been through some really difficult things."
Georgie pauses for a brief second. Her blue eyes shine slightly, but she doesn't look directly at Ema. It's almost as if he's listening but reluctant to admit it. Ema continues, feeling that perhaps she has touched on something.
Ema (lowering her voice, vulnerable):
— "You know, I... I've also lost important things. People. And sometimes it seems like there's no one who will understand, right? But, as cliché as it sounds, I learned that we don't have to face everything alone."
Georgie finally takes off one of the headphones, looking at Ema sideways, her face still cold and expressionless.
Georgie (dry but curious):
— "What do you want, Ema? You've been watching me for days. Why are you trying to get closer?"
Ema feels her heart accelerate. She didn't expect Georgie to be so direct, but maybe it's now or never.
Ema (a little more nervous, but keeping her voice firm):
— "Because I think you're looking for something... Someone. And, well, I... I think I can understand some of that. I've lost people, Georgie. People I loved. My father left when I was little, and my mother... well, she wasn't exactly the mother I needed. I grew up dealing with this pain alone, thinking no one could help me. But I learned that, over time, we can overcome... if we let someone get close."
Georgie narrows her eyes, clearly suspicious, but there's a spark of interest. She didn't expect Ema to reveal something so personal.
Georgie (coldly):
— "Do you think you know what I'm going through? That you can help?"
Ema (with genuine sweetness):
— "I don't know what you're going through exactly. But I know what it's like to lose someone and feel like you're alone in the world. I'm not trying to force anything, I'm just... I'm just saying that sometimes we can find a little comfort in the people around us."
Georgie looks away, going back to the photos on her laptop. Ema notices the face of a little blond boy in the photos. Georgie's brother... She doesn't need to ask to know who he is.
Ema (gently):
— "He... He's important to you, isn't he? Your brother."
Georgie stands still, her eyes still fixed on the screen. A long silence stretches between them, until finally Georgie speaks, her voice low and distant.
Georgie (in a barely audible tone):
— "He disappeared. When I was little. And I... never stopped looking."
Ema feels a wave of empathy run through her body. She reaches out her hand, hesitantly, as if to offer some kind of comfort, but stops halfway.
Ema (in a whisper):
— "I'm so sorry, Georgie. Really. I know how this must hurt. But... if you let it, it might be easier to bear."
Georgie finally looks directly at Ema, with a mixture of distrust and pain in her eyes. But for the first time, there is an opening, however small.
Georgie (with a reluctant sigh):
— "And what do you want from me, then? Do you think we'll form some kind of... alliance?"
Ema (giving a slight smile, a little playful):
— "Maybe. But besides that... I think we could, I don't know, try to help each other. Really. I'm not asking for much, just a chance. We're trying to figure out what Sinclair is doing with the rankings and everything. I know you're good at figuring things out. And if you want, you can join us. Or…I can just be someone you can talk to if you need to."
Georgie crosses her arms, clearly still reluctant. But something about Ema's sincerity seems to have moved her.
Georgie (with a half smile, almost ironic):
— "You're very persistent, aren't you?"
Ema (laughing, nervous):
— "Well, let's just say I don't give up easily."
Georgie lets out a light sigh, closing her laptop and standing up.
Georgie (in a serious but less cold tone):
— "I'll think about your request. But don't expect too much from me, Ema. I'm focused on something else."
Ema (with a soft smile, also getting up):
— "That's more than I expected. Thank you."
Georgie shrugs, starting to walk away. But before leaving, she stops and looks back at Ema.
Georgie (in an almost gentle tone):
— "And... thanks for trying. Maybe I need someone else after all."
Ema smiles, watching Georgie disappear down the halls. She knew it would be difficult, but this small opening was a start.