twenty-one. voice.

[afeatherpillow]

When I evacuated the City, I wondered if I should stay away. Not-- in the evacuation center specifically, that would have been ridiculous and likely illegal, but just away. Just someplace else. I mean-- I mean there's a great big world out there, you know, a world with parks that aren't all fucked up because of monster attacks. Swing sets. Wishing

Comments

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

[Pause.]

What are you doing?

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

I'm telling you why I'm fond of you.

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

But you see why we're not connecting?

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

Why?

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

You're unwilling to understand what I've been telling you this whole time.

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

What are you telling me?

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

You don't want to hear it.

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

What are you telling me?

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

I am more to your artistic sensibilities than you will ever realize.

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

[Pause. Then, cautious, hopeful, testing it out:]

Do you mean that?

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

Yes.

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

I don't think the--

That wouldn't--

[Several more moments of wrestling before he manages:]

Why?

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

I've given you enough hints. If you can't riddle it out, you're not worth my time.

voice; private

[afeatherpillow]

Because of my dissatisfaction with everything in this place. Because of my cynicism. Because of my ego, and because one day, you think I'm going to use that ego expand my art. You think I'm going to teach people lessons like you do.

voice; private

[enigmaestro]

Oh no, Katurian. You wouldn't mimic your inspiration in such a way, would you? Of course you wouldn't. Lessons.