Not how you might expect

David raised his head, expecting anger and resentment. But instead, Rachel barreled toward him like a freight train, tackling him with a bear hug that sent them both tumbling onto her bed. The **** knocked the wind out of him, leaving David gasping for air as she held him tightly.

Just as he considered trying to wriggle free, Rachel's words stopped him cold: "I'm sorry you've had to deal with this burden on your own." Her voice trembled with emotion, and tears streamed down her face. "What changes you made weren't on purpose... I know you must feel so guilty."

Rachel squeezed David even tighter, crying harder as she continued: "But I don't remember anything other than how I am now... I'm happy with things as they are." Her voice hitched at the end, overwhelmed by emotion.

David lay there, stunned. He hadn't expected this reaction from Rachel and didn't know how to process it. It took several minutes of her crying for him to snap back to his senses. Gently patting her arm, he said in a strained voice: "Thank you... that means a lot."

As Rachel calmed down, her grip on him loosened slightly. David let out a sigh of relief and felt emotionally drained from the ordeal.

Rachel shifted next to him, asking nervously: "Um, forgive me if this isn't something you want to talk about, but what are the rules of your curse? Does it have any limits?" She looked down at him with an anxious expression, awaiting his answer.

With a sigh, David replied: "To be honest, I'm not sure. And I'm scared to test its limits." He thought for a moment before continuing: "It seems to only affect statements... or at least, it doesn't work on questions so far."

As he pondered further, another rule came to mind: "Oh, and I think it only works when I say something to someone else. So even if I wanted to test it, I'd need someone to talk to for it to work."

Rachel fell into thought, holding David tightly as she considered his words. After a long moment of silence, she stared at him with an intense gaze. "If you need someone to help test your curse," she said determinedly, puffing out her chest: "I volunteer."

David asked cautiously, choosing his words with care: "Are you sure? Do you fully understand the risks involved?"

Without hesitation, Rachel answered firmly: "YES."