Expanded Episode 8: Dancing in the Rain
544 Words
Opening Scene: A Storm is Coming
The episode begins with Ellie and Adrian sitting in a café, watching as dark clouds gather outside. Adrian looks at the looming storm with a small smile.
Adrian: “Looks like your bucket list is about to get a weather boost.”
Ellie: “It’s perfect. You’re not backing out, are you?”
Adrian: “Not a chance. But you’ll owe me hot chocolate afterward.”
Ellie grins and grabs his hand, pulling him toward the door.
The Rain Begins
As the first drops of rain start to fall, Ellie spins in the empty street, laughing. Adrian watches her, captivated by her joy.
Adrian: “You’re insane.”
Ellie: “And you’re the one who agreed to this insanity!”
The rain quickly becomes a downpour, soaking them. Ellie pulls Adrian into the middle of the street, her arms outstretched.
Ellie: “Come on, Adrian. Dance with me!”
Adrian (laughing): “I can’t dance!”
Ellie: “Neither can I. That’s the point!”
The Dance
Adrian reluctantly takes Ellie’s hands, and they begin to move clumsily to an imaginary rhythm. Their laughter echoes through the empty streets.
Ellie: “See? You’re a natural.”
Adrian: “If by natural, you mean terrible, then yes.”
Despite his protests, Adrian starts to loosen up. He twirls Ellie dramatically, almost losing his balance. She catches him, steadying him with a teasing grin.
Ellie: “Careful, graceful one.”
Adrian: “I’m just testing your reflexes.”
Their laughter fades as they slow down, the rain streaming down their faces. Adrian cups Ellie’s cheek, his thumb brushing away a raindrop—or maybe a tear.
Adrian: “Thank you, Ellie. For this. For everything.”
Ellie smiles, her voice soft.
Ellie: “You don’t have to thank me. Just promise me you’ll keep dancing with me, no matter what.”
The Quiet After the Rain
The storm begins to ease, and they find shelter under a tree. Ellie leans against Adrian, the rain still dripping from the branches above them.
Ellie: “I’m calling this one a success.”
Adrian: “Agreed. Even if I catch pneumonia, it was worth it.”
Ellie: “You’re impossible.”
They share a quiet moment, listening to the distant rumble of thunder.
Adrian’s Private Struggle
That evening, Adrian sits alone in his apartment, his damp clothes still hanging to dry. He opens his notebook and flips to a blank page, writing something new:
"The rain reminds me that even the darkest clouds bring moments of beauty. And maybe, just maybe, those moments make everything else worth it."
He pauses, his hand shaking slightly, before closing the notebook with a sigh.
Cliffhanger Ending: Ellie’s Growing Worries
Ellie, back in her apartment, stares at the photo she snapped of Adrian earlier that day—his face lit with laughter, raindrops clinging to his hair. Despite the joy in the image, Ellie feels a pang of unease.
She picks up her phone, hesitating before typing a text:
"Adrian, I need you to promise me something. Be honest with me about how you’re feeling, okay?"
The camera cuts to Adrian’s phone lighting up on his table. He sees the message but doesn’t reply, his expression unreadable.
- Writer
