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MidReal Story
The Stage Is My Home
Scenario:Write a story with lots and lots of dialogue and details about a young teen named Chris Stephenson who is a kind hearted actor who comes from a household that didn't seem to pay much attention to him or even like him. The community theater was his "home" ever since his first show at 7 years old. Dani was his best friend and theater mom ever since they first met. She was a woman in her late 20s and grew a close bond with Chris, mentoring him and was like his own mother. Despite Chris's parents toxic behavior towards her, she loved Chris unconditionally and wanted nothing but the best for him. One night, after rehearsals, Chris was trying to hide his swollen hand after being kicked by his father's steel toe boot but Dani saw it and her heart broke as Chris started crying and she took him to her apartment, crying as he slept and asking why Chris had to suffer.
Create my version of this story
Chris Stephenson
sensitive, and determined. Chris grew up in a neglectful home where his parents barely acknowledged him. Despite this, he found solace in the community theater, particularly with Dani, who became like a mother to him. Dani's support and love helped him navigate his difficult childhood. Chris's bond with Dani deepened over the years as she encouraged his passion for acting and protected him from his abusive father.
Dani Thompson
protective, and compassionate. Dani took Chris under her wing when he was seven years old and became his confidante and support system. She provided Chris with the love and care he lacked at home, often shielding him from his abusive father's actions. Dani's presence in Chris's life was crucial to his emotional wellbeing and growth as an actor.
Mark Stephenson
violent, and uninvolved. Mark barely acknowledges Chris's existence except to criticize or physically harm him. His behavior towards Chris is neglectful and brutal, causing emotional scars that Dani tries to heal through her love and support.
"Chris, honey, you were amazing tonight," Dani told me as she gave me a hug.
I smiled and hugged her back.
Dani was the community theater’s mom.
Well, not literally, but she was there every day, running the front office and helping the directors.
She made sure everyone knew their lines and their costumes fit.
She was also in charge of the concessions and recruiting other volunteers to help sell drinks and snacks on show nights.
Dani took me under her wing the very first day I walked into the theater for my very first show when I was 7 years old.
"Thanks, Dani," I said as I pulled back now smiling even bigger.
"You always get to be in all the best shows."
She laughed.
"Well, someone has to give you a job around here."
Today was no different than any other typical Thursday after rehearsal.
Dani and I were talking while everyone else was saying their goodbyes and leaving for the night.
I loved Thursdays.
Rehearsals didn’t seem as long and everyone was more laid back.
I think it had something to do with the fact that we were only 24 hours from opening night.
I was lingering in the lobby, not wanting to go home.
I hated going home.
Dani noticed I was still here and came over to me.
"Hey, Chris, why are you still here? You know it’s getting late."
"Yeah, I know. I just didn’t want to go home."
"Oh, well then come with me. I’m going to get some pizza. You can come with me."
I didn’t even think about it.
I just nodded my head yes.
We walked out of the theater together and got into her car.
I knew my parents would be pissed that I wasn’t home yet, but I really didn’t care.
We got to her apartment and she ordered a pizza.
We sat at her kitchen table eating slices of pepperoni pizza while we talked about the show.
"Chris, what’s going on? You know you can tell me anything."
"I just can’t go home tonight. Dad’s going to be drunk again and he’s going to start yelling at Mom. He’ll probably kick me out of my room again. I don’t want to deal with it."
"Chris, you know you’re welcome to stay here anytime."
"I know. It’s just…"
"It’s what?"
"I don’t know. It’s just…"
"Chris, you’re 16 years old. You shouldn’t have to deal with this shit anymore." "I know. It’s just…"
"Chris, stop saying that. What is it?"
"I don’t know. It’s just…"
"Chris!"
"Okay! Okay! It’s just that I’m tired of it all. I’m tired of Dad being an asshole and Mom letting him treat us like this."
"Chris, your mom loves you so much."
"No she doesn’t. She loves him more than she loves me or my sister."
"That’s not true."
"Yes it is. She lets him treat us like this every day and she does nothing about it."
"Chris, your mom is scared of your dad."
"That’s no excuse."
"Chris, you have to understand—"
"Dani, stop! Just stop! I don’t want to hear it anymore. I’m tired of hearing how he has a problem and how he needs help and how he needs us to forgive him for everything he does."
"Chris—"
"Dani, stop! Just stop! Look…"
I paused for a minute as I tried to gather my thoughts.
"Look… Dani…"
I took a deep breath before continuing.
"I know you think I’m crazy, but I just can’t help it. I hate him. I hate him for what he does to Mom and what he does to me and my sister. I hate him for not being the dad that he should be."
"Chris, you don’t mean that."
"Yes, Dani, I do. I really do."
I was still slumped on Dani’s worn leather couch when she came out of the kitchen.
She had cleaned up the dishes from dinner and was now sitting next to me.
I was still picking at the crust of my cold pizza.
The kitchen tap ran and dishes clinked in the sink.
Then suddenly her phone vibrated against the counter.
She jumped up and grabbed it.
At first she frowned as she looked at the screen, but then her eyes widened.
"Chris!"
She rushed back into the living room with her phone extended out in front of her.
"Remember that contest I entered at the grocery store?"
I nodded as I remembered her filling out a form while we bought snacks for the cast party.
"I won! A week at Crystal Beach Resort - for two people."
She knelt down beside me on the couch, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Dani, that's amazing! You deserve it so much."
"Thanks, Chris. But here's the thing—I want you to come with me."
"What? Really? Why me?"
"Because you need a break from all this, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather share this with."
"But what about the theater? The show?"
"We'll figure it out. Sometimes you have to put yourself first, Chris."
I looked at her, my heart pounding with a mix of disbelief and gratitude.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. We leave next week."
