34 tightropes walked - video/action

[freckleddoll]

[A small, grubby child is sitting on the edge of the fountain, a puppy pawing at her as she pokes at the device

Comments

action;

[rehymenator]

[Off, in the near-distance, a man seems to simply appear, walking slowly toward the fountain. Were this any normal town in America, someone would probably call an Amber Alert, because he's dressed simply in a trench coat and tie.

But here, in the City, things are not always as they seem. A man who looks as if he'd very much like to abduct this child might be much more than that.]

Sometimes we find ourselves just right where we belong.

action;

[freckleddoll]

This...this ain't where I belong though, mister.

[Young as she is she's seen far scarier sights than a man in a trench coat and tie, so while she's holding her dog to her in a protective way she doesn't try running off either.]

action;

[rehymenator]

[He won't advance any farther; no need, really.]

Are you so sure about that?

action;

[freckleddoll]

[She nods, not taking her eye off of him.]

'course I am, ain't London 'ere, is it? There ain't even anyone I know!

action;

[rehymenator]

The only person who can change that is you.

action;

[freckleddoll]

Don't know what to do...

action;

[rehymenator]

If your head isn't speaking to you, maybe you should listen to your heart.

action;

[freckleddoll]

Just want my brothers an' sisters, that's all.

action;

[rehymenator]

I think you'll have to be content with memories of them while you're here.

action;

[freckleddoll]

[that makes her start up from her spot, still trying to hold Tiger in her arms.]

Can't, I need 'em! An' they need me to try an' fetch some food!

action;

[rehymenator]

You're their caretaker?

action;

[freckleddoll]

No, they look after me...but some of 'em can't walk...an' big brother's missin' 'is arm, so they need someone who can do the things they can't.

action;

[rehymenator]

They don't realize your absence. Existing here, even for centuries, means barely a second in our homeworlds.

action;

[freckleddoll]

They don't even know 'm gone?

action;

[rehymenator]

No. It can be said that in your time, you are not gone.

action;

[freckleddoll]

[rubbing at her face with one grubby hand, looking confused]

Don't understand...