130. [Broadcast Dream]
There's a mountain across the river, surrounded by the green, green trees and the golden sun, and the oh-so-fluffy clouds. And here you are, sitting on the other side, watching it. Watching.
It's noon.
...you were there, once, you think. It was the breaking of dawn, and there was light everywhere - around you, and through you. Inside you. ( Read more... )
It's noon.
...you were there, once, you think. It was the breaking of dawn, and there was light everywhere - around you, and through you. Inside you. ( Read more... )
Are you awake yet?
[It's such a mundane question, but it feels like the only safe one, too.]
Reply
Mm.
...sometimes I really... want these things to go away.
Reply
May I ask you another question, Priscilla? It's a little more personal.
Reply
[She rubs her face a little, and sits up a more fully.]
Reply
Reply
It's a little complicated. I guess you could say I'm afraid I wouldn't know how to stop. Or when to.
Or maybe I'm afraid I wouldn't want to stop.
Reply
The want, however...
[A sigh.]
You can't escape the want, can you? It already consumes you. You just suppress it.
[Like so many other things.]
Reply
Reply
You're no butterfly. Priscilla, the insects envy you.
[Even he envies her.]
I understand what you mean, though. Which is why I want to know...why you have to deny yourself completely? Maybe I could anchor you.
You could touch things again. It'd make the dark a little less grim, the lights a little less dark. You want to see the world in vivid effect, don't you? And I can pull you back.
I can.
Reply
[Oh. So tempting. She rubs her face.]
It's too dangerous. If anything at all went wrong, then... I. That girl isn't here to change things, this time.
Reply
I want you to give it some thought. Tell me your answer a few days from now.
[A beat.]
With or without that girl, it could work. Little by little, it could. Maybe if we do it this way you won't lose sight of yourself.
Think about it.
Reply
[A shaky little breath.]
I'll think about it. Okay.
[And then a beat, and two, and three as she thinks about the dream. Everything it said.]
...I wonder how many people will even understand this.
Reply
This time...I'm not playing. It's not a game.
[His expression relaxes.]
Are you worried about what they'll think? It shouldn't matter. To them it may as well be just a dream conjured up by the Mist. They can think what they want, suspect what they want, but you don't have to confirm anything for them.
Not unless you want to.
Reply
You of all people know how dangerous she is. Or I am.
And. I don't want to, no. I don't think so. But... the others like me can probably guess anyway.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment