75

[perfectsymmetry]

Crowe had murdered by his target last Friday, who feigned injury. She stabbed him twice, and as he died slowly on the street she said something about her next meal. He didn't want to know what that meant.

When Crowe wakes up, it seems like a horrible nightmare. He doesn't realize it's been a week, or that the incident has ended. He doesn't care. Obviously he's incapable of helping anyone. So many people told him to be careful, and he was killed so quickly.

At least he's right about it being Saturday. He figures he has two days before he has to head into school. So he's not leaving his room, or his bed. If anyone knocks on his door, it won't be answered. If they open it, they will just find him lying in his bed, not turning to answer who see who it is. The soft sound of music can be heard, though - he's holding his iPhone, which is quietly playing.

Comments

[ooeeooahah]

Not planning on it, hon.

[ She gives a small smile, watching him pet the cat. ]

It might sound presumptuous, but - I hate to see you so... turned inward. Is there anything I can do to help?

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He gives her a weak smile.] I appreciate it, but I'm not sure much can be done. Mayfield and its residents are going to do as they please.

[ooeeooahah]

Well, doing as one pleases, that's anarchy.

But there might still be some that believe that as long as you harm none, you can do as you will.

And there are still people who care.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I-I just... don't know what to do anymore. I've been here too long. Trying to help gets me nowhere. Trying to stay safe is the same. What's left?

[ooeeooahah]

[ Ilsa's smile is still a bit sad. ]

Keep trying.

Keep moving forward.

[ She moves slowly to sit on the foot of the bed. ]

It's all any of us can do.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

I used to think that. But Mayfield is really good a-at making you feel utterly worthless.

[ooeeooahah]

I know.

[ Ilsa's voice is quiet, but firm. ]

I think that is the reason we might be here.

If it is not an experiment, it could be an entertainment for those we can't even sense.

But the other side of the coin is knowing your strengths.

You are not worthless.

And you are not alone.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[His voice wavers a bit.] I-I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore. try how? I-I've tried investigating, a-and Mayfield showed that it can take back and change a-anything it wants at any time. I-I can't keep my friends safe, since most of them are leagues above me i-in strength or have supernatural powers. A-And all they do is worry about me while I end up getting myself killed. I...

[He pulls his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them.] Sorry. It's not like you don't have your o-own problems.

[ooeeooahah]

Hon, if my friends have problems, I have problems.

[ She's going to hug you, deal with it. ]

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

['S okay, he could use one right now. He feels stupid for ranting. Other people go through just as bad or worse in Mayfield all the time, and complaining or cooping himself up made him feel selfish. He just didn't know what to do now.]

[ooeeooahah]

[ Ilsa is going to hold him as long as he needs it, and when he relaxes out of it, she quietly asks: ]

When did you last eat, and have you had any chocolate since you... woke up?

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

Ah... only a little, it was awhile ago... And no, I haven't.

[ooeeooahah]

Do you feel up to going out, or should I bring something back for you? Though a hot fudge sundae doesn't travel all that well.

[ She gives him a small smile. ]

I'm buying, even.

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

[He thinks it over for a moment. It seemed a bit silly, but maybe he needed silly right now.]

A-Alright. I'll go.

[ooeeooahah]

As long as you aren't sensitive to any of the ingredients, chocolate is a good antidepressant. Much better than alcohol.

[ Yep, up and out of the way so Crowe can find his shoes. ]

[perfektsymmetry.livejournal.com]

No, I-I'm good.

And after prom, I'm done with alcohol for awhile.

[ooeeooahah]

[ She chuckles. ] You can wait a while on that, yes.

[ Ilsa isn't going to offer him the Irish Coffee Ice Cream in her freezer, either. ]