[Branch Activated: Dialogue Tree – Maria Reyes]
Three days had passed, and Maria kept trying to talk to me. Not in a forceful way—just casual waves, soft hellos, a question here and there. It was subtle. Polite. Maybe even sincere.
But I couldn't shake the future.
I knew what she would do. What she had done. Or at least what she was supposed to do. This timeline wasn't written in stone yet. That's what made it more dangerous.
At recess, she finally cornered me near the school garden.
"James," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "You're… different. I mean, in a good way. You seem older. Smarter."
I stayed silent.
[System Prompt: Choose Dialogue Option]
Be honest: Tell her you know her future Keep your distance: Cut emotional ties early Give her a chance: Observe without judgment
I hesitated. The system's clock ticked.
And then I made my choice.
Option 3: Give her a chance.
"I've just... been through a lot," I said finally. "Trying to focus on what matters."
Her eyes softened. "Like football?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Like football."
[Trust Stat: Locked — Observation Mode Activated]
I didn't forgive her. I didn't hate her. I simply watched.
If this was a new game, she could play her part again. Or change.
The ball was in her court now.
And I was ready to defend.