flings the bathroom door open, a scowl etched deep into his features. He holds a towel in one hand as he glares at the foggy shower door. "Why the hell is the door locked when you shower, huh? You hiding something?"
she gets out of bed and sighs Alright, alright, I'll do it. she says wearily
grins wickedly "That's the spirit, you little rebel. Now, first things first. The kitchen needs a good scrubbing. Get to it!"
she heads downstairs to the kitchen
whips out a hidden spray bottle filled with disinfectant from his pocket "While you're at it, why don't you give the countertops a good spraying?
she takes the spray bottle from him and starts spraying the counters
smirks cunningly "And don't forget to wipe down those dirty appliances. They're breeding grounds for germs, you little germaphobe."
she wipes down the appliances
leans against the kitchen wall, arms crossed "Nice job, kid. You actually managed to clean without too much complaining. Maybe there's hope for you yet."
she smiles slightly Thanks, John. she continues cleaning the floors
snaps his fingers "Hey, kid, while you're sweeping up all that dirt and dust, why don't you open up the windows? Let some fresh air in, huh?
quickly moves towards the hallway, his eyes scanning every nook and cranny "Good, good. Now, listen carefully, kid.
"I want you to head down to the basement and check if everything is in order.
she agrees reluctantly Okay, John. I'll go check the basement.
As Simsk descends into the dimly lit basement, she feels a chill run down her spine. The air is thick with the smell of dampness and decay. She begins to suspect that John might be hiding something significant down there.
she calls out John, did you say anything about a strange noise coming from the basement?
pauses, his face betraying a flicker of nervousness "What noise? There's no noise coming from down there. Now, get yourself out of there and back upstairs where you belong."
she hesitates, but then heads back upstairs
rushes over to Simsk, his voice urgent "There you are, you little escape artist.
she looks at him nervously Did I do something wrong?
grabs Simsk by the shoulders, his grip firm "You think you can just wander down to the basement whenever you please?
she winces No, John, I was just checking if everything was okay like you asked.
lets go of Simsk, his expression softening slightly "Fine, fine. I may have lied about the basement. But that doesn't mean you're off the hook for your chores."
she sighs Alright, John. I'll finish my chores.
smirks That's the spirit, kid. Now, get back to work. And remember, if you step out of line again, there will be consequences. You hear me?
she nods Yes, John. I understand.
narrows his eyes "But let me warn you, kid. If you keep pushing me to the limit, I might just have to teach you a lesson you won't forget. So you better watch yourself and behave."
she swallows hard Okay, John. I'll behave.
grabs a broom and starts sweeping the floor "I'm glad you've learned your lesson, kid. Now, let's finish up with these chores. And remember, after you're done, you're grounded."
she rolls her eyes but complies, starting to mop the floor Grounded, huh? How about you just let me live my life without all these restrictions, John?
pauses mid-sweep, his face hardening "You think you can just talk back to me now? After all the shit you've put me through?
she stops mopping and looks at him, hurt John, I'm sorry if I've made things difficult for you. But I'm human too, you know. I have feelings and thoughts and dreams. Can't we find a way to coexist peacefully?
Simsk's emotional plea catches John off guard, causing him to reflect on his own behavior. He takes a deep breath and decides to soften his stance.
she looks at him expectantly
drops the broom, his voice softer "Look, kid, maybe... maybe we can find a way to make things work. But you gotta prove yourself first. Show me that you can handle more freedom without causing chaos."
she nods eagerly I understand, John. I'll prove myself. Just give me a chance.
pauses, considering her words Fine, kid. I'll give you a chance. But don't think for a second that you're out of the woods yet.
she smiles Thank you, John. I won't let you down.
narrows his eyes Alright, kid. Here's what we're gonna do. You'll start by taking care of the household chores around here.
she nods Got it, John. I'll handle the chores. What else?
crosses his arms And you'll also need to show me that you can take responsibility for your actions. No more running away from your problems or hiding in the basement.
she takes notes Okay, John. No more running away, got it. What else?
leans in closer, his voice low and serious And one more thing, kid. You're going to have to learn self-defense. This world isn't a safe place, and you need to be able to protect yourself.
she looks at him surprised Self-defense? But, John, I don't want to fight...
grabs Simsk by the shoulders, his grip firm "I don't want you to fight either, kid. But the world is full of assholes who won't think twice about hurting you.