first draft

[poorneedyand]

All right, I give up. Did I die in my sleep? They always told me about clouds and white angel wings when I was a girl, though nothing says they had to be right about that--it's not like any of them had died before. This place has the white gowns, at least, so that's a point in favor of the theory

Comments

[erythrophilia]

Unfortunately, my dear, we are nowhere near as lucky as to have garnered entrance into Heaven.

[poorneedyand]

After failing to make it to church for twenty years straight, I thought it was kind of a long shot. I hear it's closer to the planet theory, anyway.

[erythrophilia]

Indeed it is. Or so I've heard. Kidnapped from home, brought here with no passage back, the usual sort of 'Oh Lord, oh Lord, we're all going to perish' thing. Only it isn't as bad as all that.

[poorneedyand]

'Not so bad' as kidnapping with no passage back? All right, then, give me the good news.

[erythrophilia]

At least you can't run up any debts here. No money.

Oh, and I suppose I could say something about the people and peace and all that, but really? It can be rather dull here if you aren't careful.

[poorneedyand]

No money? That's even better than rent control--but wait, I passed a shop or two. Do you just go in there and take what you want, or is there a barter system?

It's certainly quieter than Manhattan, but I grew up in one of the dullest states in the Union. Can't be worse than Indiana.

[erythrophilia]

Mmhm~ Laissez-faire at its best. Simply take what you need and voila, you own it.

Ooh, American, are we? How exciting~

[poorneedyand]

Interesting system. I'm surprised there's anything left to 'sell.'

Yeah, American born and bred. Where're you from?

[erythrophilia]

People only take what they need. Surprising, isn't it?

Mm~ Most recently of London, although I couldn't say born or bred there specifically.

Oh, but look at my manners! I haven't even introduced myself. Grell Sutcliffe, love. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[poorneedyand]

I'd like to say that's what I'd expect, but I try not to lie when I can help it.

Oh, London! My husband's from England originally--nice country.

Kay Eaton, pleased to meet you, too. Have you been here long?

[erythrophilia]

How lucky your husband is to be married to such a lovely lady.

And yes, I suppose I have been here long. Long enough, at least. You seem to be adjusting quite well. None of the wailing and crying that some put on.

[poorneedyand]

Well, aren't you a charmer. I'd like to think he is, anyway.

Wailing and crying? You'd almost think they didn't want to visit a new planet. This place seems like a dream come true so far.

[erythrophilia]

No need to charm when I speak the truth. One woman to another, I must say, your hair is fabulous.

As is your perspective. Unique. I like that.

[poorneedyand]

Well, thank you. Yours is, too.

...Is it really that unique? Tell me, haven't you ever wanted to go somewhere completely new, just for the sake of seeing it?

[erythrophilia]

Thank you. And I would say it's unique. Having a holiday is all well and good, but a permanent one? Without your permission? And no way to get back?

Well, some are a bit cross about that sort of thing.

[poorneedyand]

I'm not exactly keen about the permanent thing, but it could be worse. And there could be a way back, even if no one's found it yet.

Anyway, there's enough here to keep me busy for a while, it sounds like.