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Chapter 34 - chapter 34

Damian sits silently while Mr. Mah, who's going over his schedule for tomorrow.

Damian

Mr. Mah?

Mr. Mah

Yes?

Damian (hesitates, then looks out the window)

I... never mind.

Mr. Mah (noticing the shift in his tone)

What is it? Your voice is too quiet.

(Damian is staring at the empty coffee can in his hand.)

Damian

Do I really not understand other people's emotions?

Mr. Mah

What happened? Did something upset you?

Damian

No... I was just thinking. Maybe I'm too deep into acting.

Mr. Mah

That's normal. Humans are complicated. Even I've lived with you for over thirteen years and I still don't fully understand what you're thinking or feeling.

Damian

Oh...

(A moment of silence.)

Damian

Can I take Happy with me today?

Mr. Mah

If you take him this often, he'll forget us — along with his real name.

Damian (smiles softly)

Just for today, please.

Mr. Mah (sighs)

Fine.

---

[INT. DAMIAN'S APARTMENT – NIGHT]

Damian enters the quiet apartment with Happy. He sets down the carrier and removes his shoes. Happy calmly strolls around the house, exploring.

Damian changes into comfortable clothes, a loose white shirt with a black joggers freshens up, then slumps onto the sofa.

Damian

Happy… come here.

(He pats his lap. Happy leaps up effortlessly and settles in, curling into a ball.)

Damian (stroking him gently)

You're the only one I can talk to without worrying about revealing too much of myself...

(He chuckles softly.)

Damian

Maybe we're real friends — I don't understand what you're saying, and you don't understand me either.

Happy (soft meow)

Damian

Do you think I'm capable of being friends with someone?

Pause.)

Damian

I miss Mom and Dad... should I call them?

(He checks the time on his phone. 10:30 PM.)

Damian

Maybe it's too late.

(He gently lifts Happy onto his paws and smiles at him.)

Damian

Do you remember my birthday is coming soon?

You'll come, right?

Of course you will. My Happy always comes… for my happiness.

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