rough and tough

“Yeah, good idea…”

“Come on, let’s go.”

“Thanks, Warren… So what do we do about helping you right now? Should we go out and get some air? Or watch TV?“

“I think a walk might do us both good. Fresh air might help you process this a bit better.”

“I love you too, Warren… This is just a lot to take in.”

“I know. And I’ll give you as much time as you need to take it all in.”

“I can do that…”

“Thank you, Marie... I love you, I do.”

“Are you sure that’s safe? I want to help you, but I don’t know how.“”

“Marie, I promise you that you’re always safe with me. Just be here, that’s all you have to do.”

“Then how do we handle this without Josh?”

“Just keep me grounded, I guess. Be with me. Even if that’s a lot.”

“So then if this happens again, do I call him and get him?”

“...Yeah, I guess. As long as you tell him that’s all his ass is coming around me for.”

“Then… does he know?”

“He knows. He’s my best friend.”

“Okay… Wait. Doesn’t this happen when you go out with Josh? You’re always out with Josh.”

“...Sometimes, yeah.”

“…You don’t hurt people, do you?”

“No, of course not, Marie.”

“Is it always this… messy? And violent?”

“It can be at times.”

“So… you were always a werewolf? And this happens all the time?”

“Yeah, always have been. This happens on a full moon, mostly.”

“But… That’s not real… How is that real?“

“They’re real. I’m a born werewolf... older than I look.”

“How could you not? That was terrifying… Where were you? What were you?”

“It’s going to be hard to believe... but I’m a werewolf. And sometimes this happens. I don’t want to scare you.”

“Explain? How can you explain that?!”

“I know this looks bad... but... I didn’t want to scare you.”

“Marie... I can explain.”

“I know. But I couldn’t, okay?”

“Save your excuses for someone who cares.”