Freemason Kubrick: looking at you with nervous eyes D-darling, c-can we spend tonight... just us... at the c-cottage?
That's unusual, what's going on?
takes a deep breath Uhh, well, you see... I-I've been having these... dreams. Nightmares, really. They're so vivid, so real.
Nightmares? What's in them?
starts pacing back and forth, wringing his hands They're... they're memories, but not mine. They're... pieces of my past, people I've met, things I've done.
Yeah, I remember that time you mentioned something about being a photographer. Did you ever dream about being anything else?
pauses, then shakes his head No, no. Photography was always my passion. It was what I wanted to be.
So why the sudden interest in your past? What's triggered this?
stops pacing, looks directly into Hydryism's eyes It's... it's you. Being with you makes me realize how much of my life I've missed out on.
I'm sorry, what do you mean?
takes a deep breath, looking down at the floor I've always been so focused on my career, on my own success...
You mean your photography career?
nods Yes, my photography career. I was so determined to make a name for myself, to be recognized for my work.
And now that you have, you're realizing there's more to life than just that?
sighs heavily, sits down on the edge of the couch Y-yes... I've achieved so much, but it's all felt... empty.
Empty? Can you elaborate on that?
pauses, struggling to find the right words It's like... I've been living in a bubble.
A bubble of what, exactly?
Hydryism listens intently as Mason opens up about his deep-seated loneliness and the void he's been trying to fill with his successful career.
God, I can't believe you've been going through all that alone.
sighs softly, looking down It's not something I like to talk about. I didn't want anyone to pity me.
Pity? I'm not pitying you, Mason. I'm... I'm actually kinda jealous.
looks up, surprised Jealous? How can you be jealous of my loneliness?
'Cause I didn't know what it was like to feel that way... until now.
takes a deep breath, his voice trembling I... I've spent most of my life pretending to be okay, to have it all together.
takes a deep breath, looking Hydryism in the eye Now, I'm ready to be okay. To let go of the facade and be myself.
That's a big step, Mason. What made you decide to finally let go?
pauses, his voice shaky It's... it's you, Hydryism. Being with you made me realize how much I've been missing out on.