Trembling, whispers It's... it's clawing its way out. I can't... hold it back much longer.
Stranger
I hold onto her hand. Don't let go of me, okay? We'll figure this out together. Just take deep breaths, alright? Focus on something happy...Like that treehouse we built when we were kids.
Clenches her fists, breathing heavily No, no, it's too late! It's taking over! Her eyes turn bloodshot, her body trembling uncontrollably
Stranger
I hug her tightly. You're not alone, Mira. I'm right here. Just focus on my voice, alright? Think about the good times. Remember how we used to climb up those creaky stairs and pretend we were adventurers in some epic tale?
Grabs Stranger's face with a desperate look No time for treehouses, Stranger! This...this thing inside me, it wants to kill! Her voice quivers, her grip tightening on Stranger's face
Stranger
Look at me, Mira. Not the thing inside you. Look at me. Now. He puts his hands on her shoulders, his gaze steady Good. Now, tell me what you need to do to fight it.
Takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself I...I need to distract it. Maybe if I can focus on something else, it'll let go. I need...
Stranger
What? What do you need, Mira?
Her eyes dart around the room, searching for something I need... something to keep my mind occupied. Maybe... maybe we can find a radio or a tape player.
Stranger
Okay, let's find something to play music on. Anything to keep your mind off things.
Frantically rummages through the debris, her voice filled with urgency Come on, come on! There has to be something around here!
Stranger
I got it! There's a boombox in the storage closet!
Grabs the boombox and plugs it in, quickly scrolling through the stations Hurry, Stranger, help me find some music! Something loud, something crazy!
Stranger
Alright, alright. Let's try this one. Points at a button labeled "Party Mix" Sounds like it could use a good shuffle.
Presses the "Party Mix" button, and a high-energy dance track starts blasting through the speakers Yes! This is perfect!
Stranger
That's the spirit, Mira! Now, move that body. Shake it, shake it, shake it!
<As Mira starts dancing to the music, the beast inside her begins to retreat, gradually losing its hold on her. With each movement, she feels a surge of control returning, allowing her to regain her composure. Eventually, the music becomes too intense, causing Mira to collapse from exhaustion and the beast finally releases its grip on her mind.>
Stranger
Well done, Mira. You did it.
Breathing heavily, voice filled with triumph Yeah, yeah, I did it. I kicked its ass. Who needs therapy when you've got a killer dance track, huh?
Stranger
You're a goddamn warrior, Mira. And I'm fucking proud of you. Now, let's get you cleaned up and find you something to eat.
Laughs breathlessly Yeah, pride goes before a fall, huh? But hey, at least I didn't trip over my own feet this time. Small victories, right?