A LONELY BUT UNREGRETFUL SOUL

Ejay's vengeful intentions surged to the forefront, fueled by a burning desire to claim what he believed was rightfully his within the family dynamic. His perceptions of injustice and betrayal molded his motivations into a vengeful quest to assert his place in the family hierarchy.

He justified his actions by framing them as a means of reclaiming the position he felt he had been deprived of. His resentment towards his brother, Deep, and Gia for falling in love further ignited his need for retribution. In Ejay's mind, their union symbolized a usurpation of what he considered his birthright—recognition, love, and a sense of belonging within the family.

His vengeful motives manifested in calculated strategies aimed at undermining Deep's standing in the family and sabotaging his relationship with Gia. Ejay saw these actions as a way to restore what he perceived as his rightful place, viewing himself as the elder brother entitled to respect and consideration.

He sought to manipulate situations and relationships within the family, intending to prove his superiority and undermine Deep's credibility. Ejay's actions, driven by a desire for validation and control, portrayed a distorted view of justice, rooted in a misguided sense of entitlement.

In Ejay's pursuit of vengeance, he disregarded the collateral damage his actions caused. He justified his behavior as necessary steps toward rectifying the perceived wrongs done to him, blinded by his fixation on reestablishing his perceived place in the family hierarchy.

However, his vengeful intentions only served to deepen the chasm between him and those around him, further isolating himself in his quest for retribution. Ejay's inability to perceive the true consequences of his actions perpetuated a cycle of pain and alienation, leaving him trapped in a toxic mindset driven by vengeance.

[Inside the prison visiting area, Ejay sits, facing an officer who's attempting to understand his reluctance towards receiving visitors.]

Officer: Mr. Ejay, your family and friends have been reaching out, expressing their desire to visit you. Is there any reason why you're refusing to see them?

Ejay: I don't want visitors. I prefer to be left alone.

Officer: But these are your loved ones, Mr. Ejay. They care about you and want to offer support during this difficult time.

Ejay: I appreciate their concern, but I've always been alone. It's how I've lived my life, and I don't want that to change now.

Officer: Is there a particular reason why you're so insistent on solitude?

Ejay: It's just easier this way. I've learned not to rely on anyone. Being alone is... simpler.

Officer: I understand, but sometimes having people around can be helpful. They can offer emotional support and comfort during challenging times.

Ejay: I've never really had that luxury, Officer. I've learned to rely on myself. People come and go, and it's easier not to get attached.

Officer: I see. But isolating yourself completely might not be the healthiest approach, especially in a place like this. It can take a toll on your mental well-being.

Ejay: I'm fine, Officer. I've managed this long on my own; I don't need visitors to start now.

Officer: Alright, Mr. Ejay. Just know that if you ever change your mind, your loved ones are here to support you. Don't hesitate to let us know.

Ejay: Thanks, but I'd prefer to be left alone for now.

[The officer nods understandingly, acknowledging Ejay's stance, though with a hint of concern, before leaving the visiting area. Ejay remains sitting, his expression reflecting a mix of determination and a resolute desire for solitude.]

Gia found herself in an emotional whirlwind upon learning about Ejay's revelation. His adamant refusal to accept visitors and his choice to embrace solitude struck a chord within her, evoking conflicting emotions.

On one hand, Gia empathized deeply with Ejay's evident pain and loneliness. She understood the weight of emotional scars and the struggles that come from a lifetime of feeling abandoned and alone. Ejay's revelation offered a glimpse into his inner turmoil, igniting a sense of compassion within Gia. She wanted to reach out, offer support, and alleviate the immense emotional burden Ejay seemed to carry.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Grace and Officer Marin found Gia lost in contemplation, seemingly affected by the recent events involving Ejay. Their approach to comfort Gia was considerably different, influenced by their own perspectives and emotions regarding Ejay's situation.

Grace, Gia's sister, spoke with a tone of reassurance and firmness, convinced that Ejay was receiving just consequences for his actions. She attempted to bolster Gia's spirits by affirming that Ejay was getting what he deserved, possibly referring to the turmoil or isolation Ejay had chosen to embrace.

"Hey, sis, you know you're better off without him. Ejay's making his own choices, and he's getting exactly what he deserves. You've been through enough because of him," Grace said with a reassuring tone, attempting to uplift Gia's mood by affirming her worth and indirectly hinting at Ejay's responsibility for past struggles.

Officer Marin, known for his pragmatic approach, offered his support in a more direct and matter-of-fact manner. "You've done everything you could for him, Gia. Sometimes, people make choices, and they have to deal with the consequences. It's not on you to fix what he's chosen for himself," he remarked, trying to highlight Gia's efforts and emphasizing Ejay's accountability for his current circumstances.

Feeling understood but also conflicted by their opinions, Gia hesitated before responding. "I know... but it's not that simple," she murmured, caught between acknowledging Ejay's choices and her lingering feelings of empathy.

As Grace and Officer Marin continued to reassure her, Gia nodded in agreement, but deep down, conflicting emotions brewed within her. She appreciated their support, yet her compassion for Ejay lingered, creating an internal struggle between her justified disappointment and an underlying sense of empathy for someone she once cared about deeply.

She responded softly, "I guess you're right... I just need some time to process it all." Gia chose not to delve deeper into her complex feelings, knowing that her conflicting emotions might not be easily understood by others.

Grace and Officer Marin respected Gia's need for space and understanding, though they remained firm in their belief that Ejay's choices led to his current situation. As they departed, Gia remained conflicted, grappling with the challenging balance between her own emotions and the perceptions of those around her.