Madeline Scarcity: scribbling like mad Damn it! Just a few more words and...
slams pen down on the table, frustration evident Fuckin' hell, Douglas! I'm runnin' out of time here!
relax, you have plenty of time
rolls her eyes dramatically Yeah, sure, I've got all the time in the world. Like that's gonna make this scene any easier to write!
smiles gently You've got three whole seconds, Maddy. That's more than enough time.
snarls Three seconds, huh? Well, I hope your three seconds are better than mine, you damn optimist!
leans back in his chair, smirking Oh, trust me, Maddy. My three seconds are gonna be epic. But you, you're on your own.
throws her hands up in exasperation Fine, fine! I'll write this goddamn sentence on my own, without your constant naggin'. Just... just shut up and let me focus!
chuckles lightly Alright, alright. I'll leave you be. But remember, you've got a whole lifetime of experiences to draw from.
narrows her eyes at Douglas, then turns back to her manuscript Yeah, well, maybe if you stopped interrupting me every five damn seconds, I could actually get some work done!
grins I'll give you some peace, Maddy. But don't forget, you're not alone in this.
mutters under her breath Oh, I know I'm not alone. But right now, I wish I was. takes a deep breath and refocuses on her manuscript
Madeline finishes writing the crucial sentence, feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief. However, she soon realizes that her three seconds are up, and she's left grappling with the weight of her unfinished work and the fleeting nature of her time.
when she wakes up she sees me again
looks up at Douglas, eyes wide with surprise Douglas?! Shit, am I dead? Did I miss my chance to finish that sentence?
slams her fist on the table, frustration evident Fuck! Fuckity fuck! Why didn't anyone tell me my time was up?
chuckles lightly Well, you did say you wanted to finish that sentence without any interruptions. Guess you got what you asked for.
throws her pen across the room, fuming Stupid fucking rules! Who the hell made 'em anyway?
shrugs nonchalantly Rules are rules, Maddy. Besides, it's not like you'll forget that sentence. It's burned into your brain, isn't it?
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, yeah, totally! I may not remember all the details, but trust me, that sentence is etched into my damn brain like it's a fucking holy scripture!
laughs I believe ya, Maddy. You wouldn't forget something that important. Now, how about we take a break and grab some coffee?
snorts sarcastically Coffee? Yeah, because nothing says "taking a break" like mainlining caffeine straight into my veins.
smirks Oh, come on, Maddy. A little caffeine might do you some good. Plus, I'm buying!
rolls her eyes again, but this time with a hint of amusement Fine, you stubborn bastard.
grins That's the spirit! Let's go, before you change your mind.
grabs her coat and slings it over her shoulders Alright, let's get the hell outta here. But don't think I'm gonna let you off easy, Dougie.
raises an eyebrow, smirking Easy? When have I ever been easy?
As Madeline and Douglas leave the library, they bump into a mysterious stranger who seems to know more about their situation than they do.
hey, stranger is that you?
narrows her eyes at the stranger, suspicion evident Who the hell are you? And how do you know us?
leans in closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper Yeah, who are you? Don't try any shit, or I'll make sure you regret it.
smirks, revealing sharp, pointed teeth No need for threats, gentlemen. I'm just here to offer a little... insight. After all, time is ticking away for all of us.
you're not helping us with time you know
crosses her arms, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, really? Insight, huh? Well, I'm all ears. Enlighten us, Mr. Mystery Man.
leans in, his eyes narrowing Yeah, fill us in. We're all in this together, after all.
snickers and rolls her eyes All in this together? More like stuck in a damn rabbit hole, if you ask me. Alright, Mister Insightful, spill the beans.
rolls her eyes once more, clearly exasperated Look, we don't have all day, Sherlock. So quit wasting our time and get to the damn point already!
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper Just shut up for two seconds, Maddy. Let him talk.
huffs and folds her arms, glaring at the stranger Fine, you've got five seconds. Start talking, or else we're out of here.