ep 16 James or G-George
dead person
Charlotte walks through the quiet park, the fresh air helping to clear her mind. The soft light of dawn filters through the trees, casting a peaceful glow over the landscape. As she rounds a bend in the path, she spots a figure standing alone, deep in thought.
dead person
As she gets closer, she realizes it’s James Carlton, sitting on a park bench and staring at the distant horizon. For a brief moment, the sight of him makes her feel as though she’s seeing George Zheng from the book. The resemblance is striking, and it catches her off guard.
Charlotte Carmine
(whispering to herself) "Is that...?"
dead person
She blinks and rubs her eyes, but the image of James briefly morphs into the image of George. The resemblance stirs up memories and emotions related to Catherine's past and the story she’s been trying to understand.
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James notices her approach and stands up, offering a warm smile.
James Carlton
"Morning, Charlotte. What are you doing out here so early?"
Charlotte Carmine
(startled but trying to compose herself) "Oh, hi, James. I was just... taking a walk to clear my head."
James Carlton
(nodding) "I get that. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from everything and just think."
dead person
Charlotte nods, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling. James sits back down, patting the spot beside him.
James Carlton
"Want to join me for a bit? The view's nicer with company."
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Charlotte hesitates for a moment but decides to sit down. As they sit together, she feels a sense of calm returning, though the resemblance to George lingers in her mind.
Charlotte Carmine
"Sure, why not."
dead person
They sit in silence for a few moments, both enjoying the tranquility of the park. Charlotte tries to focus on the present, appreciating the peaceful morning and the unexpected encounter.
dead person
Charlotte and James sit quietly on the park bench, enjoying the serene surroundings. As they chat, James speaks, and Charlotte is struck by a wave of déjà vu.
James Carlton
"Sometimes, you just need a moment to yourself to really see things clearly."
dead person
Charlotte’s breath catches in her throat. The phrase James just used echoes a line she remembers from the book about George Zheng. It’s almost as if George’s voice is coming through James.
Charlotte Carmine
(muttering to herself) "That sounds so familiar..."
dead person
She looks at James more closely. The resemblance to George Zheng from the book becomes more apparent. The same strong features, the same intensity in his eyes—it’s like looking at a ghost from the past.
Charlotte Carmine
(hesitantly) "James, have you ever been told you look like someone?"
James Carlton
(raising an eyebrow) "Not that I know of. Why do you ask?"
Charlotte Carmine
(struggling to find the right words) "It’s just... you remind me of someone from a story I’ve been reading. Someone who had a very... strong presence."
James Carlton
(smiling) "That’s an interesting thought. I guess we all have doppelgängers somewhere."
dead person
Charlotte nods, still processing the uncanny resemblance. The déjà vu feeling persists, making her question the connection between her current life and the past life she’s been uncovering.
Charlotte Carmine
(to herself) "It’s just a coincidence. It has to be."
dead person
James watches her, sensing her distraction but choosing not to press further.
dead person
The peaceful atmosphere of the park is suddenly disrupted as dark clouds roll in, and rain starts to pour. Charlotte and James look up, surprised by the abrupt change in weather.
Charlotte Carmine
(shouting over the rain) "Oh no"
dead person
They run through the rain, searching for any nearby shelter. Finally, they spot an old, abandoned shop with a small overhang.
Charlotte Carmine
(laughing breathlessly) "Looks like we're stuck here for a while."
James Carlton
(smiling) "At least we found some cover. That rain came out of nowhere."
dead person
They shake off the water as best they can, both shivering slightly from the cold.
Charlotte Carmine
"We should've brought an umbrella."
James Carlton
(grinning) "You think of that now?"
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They both chuckle, trying to make light of the situation. The sound of the rain hitting the ground and the roof creates a rhythmic, soothing background noise.
Charlotte Carmine
"It’s kind of peaceful, in a way. Just listening to the rain."
James Carlton
"Yeah, it is. Almost like the world is pausing for a moment."
dead person
There's a comfortable silence between them as they watch the rain together.
James Carlton
(breaking the silence) "You know, I didn’t expect to run into you this morning."
Charlotte Carmine
"Neither did I. But it’s nice to have some company."
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They exchange a small smile, feeling a bit of warmth despite the chill in the air.
dead person
The rain continues to fall heavily, but suddenly, a loud crack of thunder booms through the sky, shaking the ground beneath them.
Charlotte Carmine
(startled, gasping) "Ah!"
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Without thinking, she jumps into James's arms, clutching onto him tightly. Her heart races, and for a moment, she feels safe in his embrace.
James Carlton
(holding her, gently) "Hey, it’s okay. It’s just thunder."
dead person
But as Charlotte looks up at James, her breath catches in her throat. For a fleeting moment, it’s not James she sees—it's George. His face, his expression, everything feels eerily familiar. The past and present blur together, and she feels an overwhelming sense of déjà vu.
Charlotte Carmine
(whispering, almost to herself) "George...?"
dead person
James, too, feels a strange sensation. As he looks down at Charlotte, he sees her in a different light, as if another presence is there with her. For just a second, he feels as though he's holding someone else, someone from a memory that isn't his own.
James Carlton
(softly, confused) "Catherine…?"
dead person
The thunder rumbles again, but this time neither of them flinches. They remain locked in each other's gaze, the weight of something unspoken hanging between them.
Charlotte Carmine
(blinking, coming back to reality) "James…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—"
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