Chapter 210:
Moments of Trust
Christopher’s POV
The rays of sun coming through the blinds and illuminating Christopher’s apartment make his room full of life, though his desk is as cluttered as ever. He still feels a jumble of emotions from last night when he met Megan. They talked about the concept of trust and how it is the axis on which their project curves. How could Christopher fail to remember their conversation on the current day of his preparation for another working day?
He checked his phone, noting a text from Megan: “Hey Chris, are we still on for today? I have some new ideas I’d like to discuss.”
Chris tapped out a quick response. “Definitely. See you at the studio around 10?” He hit send, then turned his attention to the stack of notes and sketches that had become his constant companions.
Megan was already hard at work in her studio by the time Chris arrived. Soft music echoed around the studio, accompanied by the hum of an air conditioner. Megan glanced up from her desk when Chris entered; she welcomed him with a smile.
“Morning, Chris!” Megan said with such life in her. “Glad you could make it.”
Chris smiled back at her. “Good morning, Megan. I can’t wait to see what you have here.”
Megan motioned toward the chair. “Sit down. I have been thinking this whole time about moments of trust and how we will include them in our story. I have a couple of ideas.”
Chris lowered himself into the chair, focusing on the excited gleam in Megan’s eyes. “Sounds intriguing. What do you have in mind?
Megan opened a sketchbook across her knees. The pages were full of rough outlines of various things, with some scribbled notes in the margins. “I want to explore how trust develops between characters and the significant impact it has on their interactions. I’m thinking of focusing on a few key moments where trust is established or tested.”
Chris leaned forward. “Can you give me an example of one of those kinds of moments?”
Megan nodded. “That’s a great idea. You know, where two people who didn’t have trust in each other have to come together under high pressure. Their backpage is built on vulnerabilities and respect for each other. That becomes the turning point in the relationship; from being adversaries, they become collaborators.”
Chris’s eyes lit up. “That sounds powerful. The scenario could really stress the evolution of their trust and personal growth.”
Megan’s face loosened. “Exactly. I want readers to be burdened below these moments of understanding-beneath the weight of trust not given but earned, moment by moment in experience and mutual comprehension.”
Chris chewed on this for a moment before he asked, “How are you going to show trust built over time?
Megan tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I think maybe throw in some flashbacks of previous experiences that made or formed the characters’ perceptions about relationships. Contrasting those against what is happening now will really drive home how their pasts inform their present relationships.”
Chris nodded approvingly. “That’s a good place to go because it gives them some depth, and you get why they’re acting or reacting in a certain way.
Megan frowned. “I also want to consider the level of personal vulnerability in developing trust. Characters must let down their guards and really be themselves for genuine trust to begin to happen.”
Chris caught her gaze. “That’s key. That is phenomenally key. This will be a strong way to connect with one another and really build trust.
Megan’s face softened into her expression as she understood him. “I want these moments to be real for them, to make them feel like they have read something of substance. They need to truly feel the struggle and triumph of building trust.
Chris leaned back, looking thoughtful. “You know, trust is such a delicate balance; it’s easily broken but takes time and effort to build. Catching that nuance will surely capture the audience.”
And Megan agreed: “Yes, and I think it’s crucial that this point comes across: that trust is not only ‘big-time’ but that so often, it’s the little things that pave the road in between.
Chris smiled. “Exactly. It’s the constancy and credibility that really make reinforcement of the trust.”
Megan’s eyes gleamed with determination. “I am also interested in maybe making a plot point where one of my characters has to gain the trust of a community or group. This would illustrate the way trust spreads out into larger social contexts, not just staying within individual relationships.
Chris’s face pensive, “That could make this story have a lot of depth, showing how trust works at an individual and group level, and how people by affecting the groups they belong to are affected by them.”
Megan was becoming increasingly animated. “Exactly! I am really getting into this theme now. I feel it making me think about trust in ways I never have before.
Chris’s eyes softened. “I’m happy you’re encouraged. It’s a deep topic, but you’re handling it with such insight. Can’t wait to see the way it all comes out.”
Megan’s phone buzzed. She looked at the screen and then back at Chris. “Before I dive in again, I just wanted to thank you for your input. Your perspective really helps clarify things.
Chris smiled, touched. “It’s been a great experience working with you. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this project.”
Megan knew that his smile was sincere. “I’ve really learned a lot from our discussions. It’s amazing how much talking through it with someone can bring new ideas and insight out.”
Chris nodded. “It really is. And moments like these-being challenged, bouncing off each other-are what make the process so rewarding.
As they spoke further about the delicate dance of trust, Megan and Chris drifted further into the emotional and psychological depths of their characters. There was a sense of mutual respect in their conversation, a sense of purpose.
Two hours passed by, and with minutes gone by after another, their work was gaining more and more meaning. Chris was surprised how their dialogue on the page worked out the project yet made their working together a more strengthened collaboration. Again, the trust they both were delving into in their story reflected on their working relationship and gave a sort of synergy that enlivened the creative process.
As dusk settled in, Megan and Chris sat back, their faces beaming with achievement. The amount of trust resting in this partnership was reflected in the ease of communication and the depth of their ideas.
Chris looked at Megan and smiled. “I think we really did very well today. It was such a worthy exploration of trust and how it defines our personalities.
She smiled back at him, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction. “I couldn’t agree more. I’m so excited for where this is going.”
Chris stood up and initiated leaving. “Same here. Looking forward to our next session.”