155 [audio]

[young_idealist]

[friends filter]

God help me, what does one do with a suicidal vampire?

I cannot bear his accusations.

[warden filter]

If anyone notices Dracula out and about over the next week--until the next assigning anyway--for any reason other than to get his blood meals, please let me know. There is little I can do, but I mean to make certain he doesn't harm

Comments

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[impure_tale]

Call his bluff. It's not as though suicide is going to do him any good, here.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[young_idealist]

We already discussed it. I'm just not certain he believes me.

He'd only take it as more evidence of my "heartlessness" and "cruelty."

I honestly don't know what to do.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[impure_tale]

You've never had children, have you?

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[young_idealist]

No, I've barely been married a few months...

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[impure_tale]

There's a difference between being firm and cruel.

If he is threatening to take his life, explain to him why this would not help him in the least. Inform him how such an action would affect you -- whether it would disappoint or anger you, for instance, and why, and make him aware that should he choose to go through with it you will be waiting to tell him how foolish it was again once he reawakens.

Be clear that you will still be available to help him. He is not to be needlessly punished if he is truly suffering, but if this is a battle of wills, then he must realize he is not the one in control here. You are.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[young_idealist]

I told him why. I wanted him to get out of his room and do something.

I have done something terribly wrong. If I told him the sky was blue on the Earth during the daytime, he would not believe me. He says I hate him and only speak to him to taunt him. I am not thinking of the right things to say, and he won't see me in person.

Anytime I try to exert the least authority over him, he pushes back. Beyond reason. Me telling him he should not kill himself is-is just trying to make myself look good. Wanting him not to die is "ordering him about" because his life is his own. I tried to explain that it wasn't me ordering, but just the way of things. That only made it worse.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[impure_tale]

Won't see you in person? What are you, his employee?

[PFFT, head hurts ><]

Then call his bluff. If he won't be proven wrong the only thing you can do that will reaffirm your sincerity is to be there when he wakes up. If you won't stop him here then you'll simply have to wait for him on the other side of it.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[young_idealist]

He said he saw no point in it, and would seek another form of escape from his misery. I don't know how that resolve will hold, which is the only reason I want to be aware if he leaves his room. Frankly, I'm not expecting him to do so. It isn't good for him to stay in, but until I find another tactic, at least he's marginally safe in there.

I feel like such a failure. I was crying at the end of our last conversation. He was so miserable and hateful.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[impure_tale]

He likely does it because you react as such. He's a manipulative sort.

I would offer to speak to him, but I do not wish to undermine your authority. You must assert it or he'll walk over you for the rest of his time here.

Friends Filter - WORST ADVICE EVER

[young_idealist]

I have tried. I have given simple assignments, simple orders--nothing terrible I don't think--but he resists things he would otherwise want just to defy me.

I fear I've failed beyond all hope already.