Case #13: Video

[19centconstable]

[George is in his room, as usual. He still has quite the bruise on his forehead

Comments

[gotgirlballs]

I have a husband, does that count?

His name's Drew Suffin. We're both doctors at the same hospital, I'm his direct superior, and I proposed. He's older than me, and he's got kind of a serial killer vibe going on, but he's more touchy-feely and romantic than I am. I'm here to get money from my deal so we can afford to make a baby. I'm gonna need to take some time off from work after I pop one out and he doesn't earn as much as I do.

Good enough?

[19centconstable]

Serial killer vibe?

[gotgirlballs]

He's not an actual serial killer. He just had a mental breakdown years ago and spent some time in prison/living in a gas station bathroom/in a yurt way out in Alaska with no human contact. No biggie.

[19centconstable]

Oh.

Well, I'm...

...very happy...

...for the both of you...

...
...
...being still alive.

[thebestnose]

Isn't that a little personal to be asking to the general population? Not that I mind it. I'm simply curious as to why.

[Pause.]

Romantic comedy? Is that a type? Who would want to watch something like that? If that is the typical story, I mean.

[19centconstable]

They haven't got to say if they don't want, but it's the sort of thing people like to talk about, I've found.

Yes. There are books and theater like that as well. And it's nice to see people fall in love. And funny to see them fall over.

[thebestnose]

But it's not so nice when someone gets left behind, like you said.

Though I suppose it depends on the person. If they weren't really in love with her, then it all should work out.

[19centconstable]

They never say. And sometimes the person who interrupts the wedding is a woman, and so the bride is left at the altar! But in those cases they always try to make clear that the bride is of poor morals and character. But still!

[stopthat_destro]

[Well that stirs up a lot of issues about Wichita. So he'll just offer a profoundly constructive:]

Those movies are stupid and unrealistic. I wouldn't worry about the characters' feelings.

[19centconstable]

I can't help but think about him though. They never say what happens. I suspect there's crying.

[stopthat_destro]

Romantic comedies are inherently... selfish stories. Every other character is just... kindling for the two lovers. They're not supposed to matter.

[19centconstable]

Yes, exactly! It's disconcerting.

[19centconstable]

Sometimes they are, and then I suppose that's alright, because a woman shouldn't be saddled with that. But then why did she accept his proposal in the first place? But sometimes they're just very ordinary and a bit dull. Well lots of men are dull!

[Private]

Any you'd like to tell. I just thought people would enjoy sharing some nice stories or making people up to get their minds off of things.

[19centconstable]

Still, you think she'd turn down somebody unpleasant.

[Private]

What did you say to her? When you took a shot?

[video]

[the_shooter]

[This red-headed Russian still seems pretty unsure using this device. He's scowling at the camera.]

First, I'm married to the woman I've loved since I was a child.

Second, Lara was my perfect companion.

[There's a pause here while he looks through a book on his desk. Could it be an English dictionary?]

Third.

Explain romantic comedy films.

[video]

[19centconstable]

When did you tell her so?

They're like theater, but recorded onto moving pictures.

[video]

[the_shooter]

[He digests that. It's not a robotic consideration. Just solemn.]

I married her, didn't I?

What a waste of expensive resources. Film should be for recording history for posterity, not for entertaining the masses. Let them get religion instead.

Re: [video]

[19centconstable]

Yes, but when did you tell her that was your intention?

I don't see why one can't have both.