Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Shopping

Amelia: (calmly) Yes, just to help being new.

Victor: (overreacting, his voice rising) Are you kidding me? I told you I don't like crowded places!

Amelia: (softly) I know, but trust me, this will be worth it.

Victor: (angrily) No, you don't understand! This is exactly the kind of place I avoid.

[While saying this Victor pulled out the mask from the side pocket of his bag. Amelia became sad but still continued.]

Amelia: (gently) Please try to trust me.

Victor: (clenching his, fists) How can I trust you when you bring me to a place like this? (Loudly) This is the worst!

[He was so loud that each one of them including the security guards gazed at them and their facial expression became confusing.]

Amelia: (soothingly) Mr. Stark.... Mr. Stark... Just take a deep breath. (Calmly) We don't have to stay long. Just come with me for a little bit.

[Victor was visibly agitated, pacing back and forth. He glared at Amelia, his fists clenched.]

Victor: (angrily) You don't get it.

Amelia: (calmly) I do get it and I'm here with you.

[Victor was silent. The whole world was busy on their schedule but for them it was stopped]

Amelia: (gently but cutely) Please....

Victor: (grumbling) Fine.

[With great reluctance, he followed her into the mall. His eyes darted around nervously as they walked through the crowded entrance. He was clearly disturbed, and Amelia noticed his discomfort.]

[They entered the mall and approached the bag check counter. Victor was hesitant, but Amelia gently encouraged him to hand over his bag. Once they were free of their belongings, Amelia led him to the quieter men's section of the store, far from the bustling main floor.]

[Victor didn't respond, his breathing was shallow. Amelia led him to a quieter part of the mall, where a small art exhibit was set up.]

Amelia: (smiling) Here we are. It's much quieter here, right?

[There was no reply from him.]

Amelia: (cheerfully) Let's start with some stylish winter clothes.

[Amelia began browsing through the racks, pulling out a variety of winter clothes for Victor. She showed him a navy blue woolly chunky knit sweater.]

Amelia: (holding up the sweater) What do you think of this one? It's classic and would look great on you.

Victor: (disinterested) It's not my style.

Amelia: (frowning slightly) Okay, how about this sweater? It's cozy and perfect for the cold weather.

[She showed him a peach coloured hooded jacket. But Victor's reaction was the same.]

[Amelia tried to hide her disappointment as she continued to show Victor various stylish winter options, including a charcoal overcoat and a burgundy turtleneck. Each time, Victor responded with a lack of interest, making it clear he was not swayed by her selections. Finally, she kept all of them in their places.]

Amelia: (sighing sadly) I thought these might help you feel more comfortable and confident, but it seems like I'm not doing enough to make you feel better.

Victor: (softening slightly) It's... It's not that. I just... I don't see the point.

[Victor looked at Amelia, seeing the earnestness in her eyes. He sighed and finally stepped towards one of the holders. Then he took the peach coloured jacket which she gave her at the 2nd time.]