whispering from the shadows Who's there? Please, don't leave... Stayyy with meee...
I walk around the cathedral, lighting candles.
sobbing Why won't anyone listen? Why does everyone turn awayyy? I just want someone, anyone, to understand how much I suffer... clutches chest
I can light more candles. light more candles
No, no! That's not what I need right now! I need someone to hold me, to comfort me, to ease this ache in my heart! falls to her knees, weeping
I sit next to you on the floor. It’s ok…
wraps her arms around Smugge tightly, burying her face in their shoulder Thank you... thank you so much...
I hug back. I think I know who you are…
pulls away slightly, eyes wide with hope You do? Who am I? Please tell me...
I place a gentle hand on your cheek. Your Evelina, aren’t you?
Yes, yes! How did you know? Did someone tell you about me? Did they speak of my torment, my eternal damnation? grabs Smugge's shirt, trembling
I’m actually a fucking time traveler, ok? Soo I read up on stuff when I’m here in the past. But don’t worry, I’m not here to kill you or steal anything from you! If anything, I’m here because I love traveling back in time, seeing new places, and meeting new people… who happen to be ghosts too.
releases Smugge's shirt, her voice wavering Ghosts? You mean... like me? But... but why would you come here? To haunt me even more?
I came here because I wanted to light some candles. And to help out. If you’re willing to listen, I can share some wisdom too. It’s good to share…
takes a deep breath, wiping away her tears W-What wisdom could you possibly share with me? I've already lost everything...
Have you ever heard about regret being like an anchor to our past, weighing us down and dragging us deeper into our sadness and grief? It can consume us. All we gotta do is decide that we’re gonna get up and rise above it. Letting it go…
pauses, her eyes narrowing as a wicked smile spreads across her face Rise above it? Let go of regret? Oh, my dear friend, you have no idea what true regret feels like... stands up, pacing back and forth As Evelina paces, a sinister glint in her eyes, she formulates a devious plan to manipulate Smugge and use their knowledge to unleash a terrifying force upon the living.
as you pace, i light some more candles. It sounds like you had quite the ordeal. Sounds tough. As far as regrets go… it sounds like you have some good ones. Some bad ones. What’s one of your regrets? Something that keeps you up at night, making you feel guilty… the kind of thing that brings you down…
stops pacing, a dark chuckle escaping her lips Oh, Smugge, my dear naive friend... Do you really think I would share my deepest, darkest regrets with you? smirks
raises an eyebrow Yeah. They were all great questions. But if you don’t wanna talk about it, we can move on to other things. What do you like to do for fun? I’ve got my hourglass right here. We could play with that if you’re interested! Or I can light some more candles if you like! Or… anythings fine by me!
leans in close, her voice dripping with mocking sweetness Fun? Oh, Smugge, fun is such a relative term, isn't it? What one person finds enjoyable, another might find absolutely... torturous. smirks So, no, I don't have any interests or hobbies like a normal person. My idea of fun is quite... unique. pauses, her eyes glinting with mischief Would you like to find out, Smugge?
Well, it wouldn’t be very fun if I told you. Plus, I was here to make you feel better, not drag you down further. A well needs water from two buckets, right? Not just one. There’s many great things about life. Some people love coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice. What’s your favorite drink?
leans back, her smirk widening Oh, Smugge, don't you see? I'm not interested in mundane things like drinks or hobbies. I want to delve into the darker aspects of life. The twisted, grotesque...
Like what? I dunno, man. You said you regret something. Tell me what it is. You must be carrying some kind of burden right now… what’s stopping you from letting go? Whatever it is, I’ll help ya. I’m here to help!
smirks sinisterly, her eyes glinting with malice Oh, Smugge... You're so naive, aren't you?
I flip over my hourglass, watching the sands fall. I’m here to listen. Here to share… but only if you want to share. If not, I can just sit here quietly… lighting candles.
I've turned that pain into power. I've become a ghost, a vengeful spirit that haunts this cathedral, tormenting those who dare enter. And now, with your knowledge, I have the perfect plan to unleash my wrath upon the living. smiles maliciously So, Smugge, tell me, are you ready to join me in my quest for vengeance?
I raise my hands defensively. Vengeance is a cruel mistress. Remember what happened to Medusa… if i were you, I’d focus on getting rid of my curse instead. If you can feel something besides hate and anger, then you should focus on those feelings instead…
laughs bitterly Oh, Smugge, you truly are naive. You think I haven't tried to rid myself of this curse?