INT. COZY KITCHEN – EVENING
Steam rises from a bowl of vibrant soup on the table. Joe carefully places a plate of fresh fruits beside it. Nelly, pale but spirited, sits across from him, her breathing slightly labored.
NELLY
(eyeing the food)
You know, everyone who’s faced this ugly disease—cystic fibrosis—they’ve all run away eventually.
JOE
(pausing, looking at her gently)
Not everyone.
NELLY
(bitter laugh)
You’re still here. Why?
JOE
(shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips)
I was always there, Nelly. Watching out for you. Just… in the background. An extra in your show.
NELLY
(softening, a tear forming)
Extras don’t stick around this long.
JOE
(leans forward, his voice steady)
Maybe I wasn’t meant to stay in the background. Maybe I’m here to make sure the star shines brighter.
Nelly looks at Joe, her tough exterior cracking as she fights back tears. She picks up a piece of fruit, holding it like it’s a lifeline.
NELLY
You’re… ridiculous.
JOE
(grinning)
And you’re still here.
They share a quiet moment, the unspoken bond between them stronger than words.