At that moment, Odie couldn't resist the urge to mess with the person standing before him.
He deliberately said, "Honestly, I don't see the point in sticking around in this world. Might be better off just ending it."
"But there’s so much to live for! You're only eighteen; you've got your whole life ahead of you!" she insisted.
"I don't see a future for myself," Odie replied nonchalantly, perching on the rooftop's edge. "You wouldn’t understand what I've been through. People like me? We're too weighed down by guilt to deserve a place here."
"Nothing's set in stone. If you're really going through a tough time, talk to me! There's no need to do something so final," she urged, her voice laced with concern.
Sophie, looking increasingly anxious, added, "I know I might've been a bit harsh yesterday, and I'm sorry for that. Can you please step away from the ledge? It's really dangerous up there..."
The wind was fierce, and one misstep could be disastrous.
Seeing Sophie's worried expression, Odie shifted into an even more precarious position, letting both legs dangle over the edge.
Just as he expected, Sophie's face turned even paler.
"Hey, take a breath. I might not know what’s got you feeling like this, but I did study psychology for a year. I can help you sort through things. Ending it all is just giving up. Think about your parents, or anyone you care about. And what about that show you're watching? Don’t you want to see the finale? Every day brings something new and beautiful. You can experience it all. If you're feeling lonely, I can be there for you..."
"Be there for me?" Odie asked, suddenly interested. "And what about your brother?"
"My brother would back me up on saving a life because saving one person is like saving the world!"
Odie chuckled at Sophie's innocence.
How could she be so trusting, even in this dream?
Her naivety was easily swayed by his words.
"My brother always said that hurting yourself to punish others only ends up hurting you more."
Sophie's eyes were bright and full of sincerity. Whether in reality or in this dream, her essence was the same.
It was a soul he found himself drawn to.
Feigning indifference, Odie said, "Well, I don’t care. You promised, so you better keep it. I'm someone who tends to hurt myself to get back at others. And I really don’t like it when you keep bringing up your brother. If you mention him in front of me, I might just decide to jump anyway."
"Why are you like this?" Sophie asked, clearly troubled.
"I've always been like this; you just don't know me well enough yet."
Feeling conflicted, Sophie said, "Okay, okay. As long as you don’t jump, I’ll stick to what I said."
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