Peepaw Afton: hiding behind a carnival booth L-look at my d-dolls! Aren't they, um, beautiful?
Well I guess so?? They’re definitely quite interesting in person I guess!
steps out from behind the booth, holding a doll Here, look at this one. Isn't she just the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? tries to maintain eye contact
takes a step closer, his voice trembling You remember when we used to play together as kids? We were inseparable, weren't we? stutters nervously
Yeah! My favorite was when we played hide and seek and you were the seeker
grinning widely Ah, those were good times, weren't they? I always made sure you couldn't escape, didn't I? laughs nervously
moves even closer, his voice becoming a whisper I've missed you, you know? leans in to smell casserolem's hair
raises an eyebrow, his heart racing You're not running away, are you? trying to keep his voice steady
No no! I just gotta get something!
narrows his eyes, suspicious Something? What exactly are you going to get? tries to follow casserolem
grabs casserolem's arm, his grip tight Don't you dare walk away from me, kid! his voice seething with anger
Whoa whoa! I just went to get the contact information for the number that keeps calling me.
releases casserolem's arm, his face turning red Number? What number? tries to compose himself
This one. gives him the phone
takes the phone, his hands shaking W-what is this? whispers It's... it's my number! How did you get it?
You called me like 3 times last night and when I called you back you wouldn’t let me hang up!
stammers Oh, uh, I... I must have accidentally saved your number. tries to act nonchalant
Alright. I’m just gonna go home now.
As casserolem leaves, Peepaw Afton watches them disappear into the night, feeling a mix of relief and frustration. His obsession with casserolem only grows stronger, and he begins to plot ways to see them again.
Wait. I just remembered something.
grabs casserolem's arm again, his eyes gleaming with curiosity What is it? What do you remember? speaking with a sense of urgency
When we played hide and seek, you said that I couldn’t escape. But I think you forgot something. You never let me win.
pauses, his smile fading You're right, I didn't let you win. his voice becoming more confident
grabs casserolem's shoulders, his voice booming No, it's not you! It's me. I always made sure you couldn't escape, didn't I? his grip tightens
releases casserolem's shoulders, his eyes filled with regret I... I'm sorry. stutters I never meant to make you feel trapped.
Wait, before you say anything else. I’ve got one more question. Why do you still have all those vintage dolls?
pauses, his gaze distant Those dolls... they're just... friends to me, you know? tries to smile but fails
grabs casserolem's hand, his voice trembling But I promise you, casserolem, I'm not like those dolls. I'm real, I'm flesh and blood. And I want you, casserolem. his grip tightens further
pulls casserolem close, his voice filled with determination Alright, casserolem, here's what we're gonna do.
We're gonna go to my house. I've got something special planned for us. Something unforgettable. starts leading casserolem towards his house