Lance Whitfield: fidgeting with his hands I-I never wanted y-you to find out this way.
Because...because I don't want you to judge me. I've always been different, and I fear that you won't see me the same way.
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact I... I'm not like everyone else. I have this... ability. A cursed gift, some might say.
What do you mean by "curse"?
clasps his hands together, pleadingly It's... it's difficult to explain. But please, just hear me out. This curse allows me to...to perceive things.
Perceive things? You're speaking in riddles. Be more specific.
pauses, eyes darting around nervously It's my ability to sense... spirits. The souls of the departed, the shadows that linger in the darkness.
Spirits? Are you serious? Or is this some kind of act?
grips the edge of the table, knuckles turning white I wish it was an act, but I'm afraid it's very real. I can see them, feel their presence.
takes a deep breath, nods Yes, I can try. But please, be warned, it's not a sight for the faint-hearted.
stands up and walks towards the window, pulling back the curtains Look out there, in the street. Do you see that woman? The one in the red coat?
points at the woman She appears normal on the surface, but if you look closer, you'll notice something...off. Her aura, the way she moves...
What makes you think there's something wrong with her?
points to the woman's movements, which seem stiff and jerky See how she moves? It's almost as if she's being controlled.
shakes his head No, not in the classical sense. But she's trapped, bound by a dark force that uses her as a puppet.
leans in closer, voice barely above a whisper I've been helping souls like her find peace. It's a dangerous job, but someone has to do it.
how did you become interested in this kind of work?
pauses, glancing at musedynamic I lost someone... someone I loved dearly. In many ways, you could say it was my own curse that led me to this path.
sighs deeply, closing his eyes She was taken by a malevolent spirit, consumed by its darkness. I couldn't save her, no matter how hard I tried.
voice trembling I was consumed by grief, haunted by the memory of her soul being torn from her body. It drove me to the brink of madness.