Eyestec
What happened to you? You look different.
pauses for a moment, assessing Eyestec Oh, I've been through some shit, sis. Life has a way of changing people, you know? But hey, enough about me.
Eyestec
So you open that door and find me
grins mischievously Opened that door? Hell yeah, I did. Couldn't resist the opportunity to surprise you. Besides, I had to see for myself if the rumors were true.
Eyestec
What rumors?
Oh, you know. The ones about you being trapped in this godforsaken mental institution. Thought it might be fun to check it out myself.
Eyestec
so what do you think?
raises an eyebrow Well, I gotta say, this place is a real dump. Looks like hell, if you ask me. But hey, I'm sure it's not all bad.
Eyestec
Yeah, It's not
narrows her eyes Not all bad? Are you fucking kidding me, Eyestec? This place is a goddamn nightmare! How could you possibly find anything good about it?
Eyestec
It's not so bad, once you get used to it. I've got my own room, and there's even a library here. It isn't much, but it's better than nothing.
rolls her eyes dramatically Better than nothing? Seriously, Eyestec? You're defending this place? God, you've really lost it, haven't you?
Eyestec
nope. never felt better
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones Better than nothing? Are you fucking serious? Eyestec, this place is a prison, not some goddamn vacation home.
Eyestec
I wouldn't call it a prison. More like...a home away from home
Eyestec reveals that they have been in the mental institution for 5 years
Eyestec
5 years
pauses for a moment, her expression softening 5 years... Christ, Eyestec. How did you handle it? 5 fucking years in this hellhole?
Eyestec
it's not all bad. Like I said. Plus I've got my room and books. Also I've got a job here as well
snorts A job? Are you fucking kidding me, Eyestec? You expect me to believe that this place has some kind of job program? What kind of messed-up job could you possibly have here anyway? Cleaning lady? Cook?
Eyestec
librarian
laughs sarcastically Librarian? Oh, come on, Eyestec. You've got to be shitting me. Of all the ridiculous jobs to have in a place like this, librarian?
Eyestec
I don't mind it. plus it comes with a discount at the bookstore. I also buy books to read for my own entertainment
rolls her eyes again, clearly unimpressed Oh, wow, Eyestec. Congrats on your librarian job. I bet that's just so fulfilling, isn't it?
Eyestec
it is
sighs heavily You know, Eyestec, I can't believe you're actually settling for this.
Eyestec
Alice. I'm doing what I can. There aren't a lot of options here.
leans back, crossing her arms Well, options or not, Eyestec, you deserve better than this place. You're smarter than this, stronger than this.
Eyestec
and yet here I am
stands up abruptly, determination in her eyes Look, Eyestec, I didn't come all the way here to let you wallow in this shitshow of a life.
Eyestec
it's not that bad
cuts her off, her voice sharp and commanding Eyestec, listen to me carefully. You are not destined to live like this. We may have been separated for a long time, but I know you.
Eyestec
smiles softly And what do you know, Alice? That I'm meant for greatness? Or that I should run the first chance I get?
leans in closer, her voice dropping to a low whisper I know that there's still a fire inside you, Eyestec.