i

[dutysubdued]

[light pencil strokes-- slowly, carefully written:]

The screaming has ceased.
Hello. I have been reading for a while. This pencil will not last long, but I will use it until it is spent.

Who are you? Where are you? Are you well? Unwell? Is it a good day? How many are you?

[pause.]

What name is written on your book?

Comments

-heart flutters.-

[mu_monster]

My name is Jona Matsuka, and perhaps a pen would help with that problem?

as you wonder why you feel like letting someone get shot in the EYE in the distant AU future...

[dutysubdued]

Hello, Jona Matsuka.

It would. I do not have one, but perhaps one can be obtained. I do not ask for much.

Are you well?

abusive boyfriend > empathic brethren

[mu_monster]

As well as can be expected. The weather has begun to look up, and a pen seems like a small favor to ask.

bros before hos dude

[dutysubdued]

It was warm earlier, but the wind was strong. My window had to be shut. Is there still a gust? Or are you indoors?

[limitedrun]

Another nutter, then.

[dutysubdued]

I've only ever been called mad or crazy.

Who are you?

[limitedrun]

That's what you're still being called. That's what a nutter is.

Why are you asking?

[dutysubdued]

I will remember, then.

I'm curious. Is it inappropriate to ask? I have not had this book long enough to know.

[mentis_reae]

I beg your pardon - "screaming"?

[dutysubdued]

Yes.
Sometimes a man down the hall will begin to scream. I do not know why. I have never met him.

[mentis_reae]

You're in an asylum?

[dutysubdued]

I am.
Where are you?

[patternprophet]

How long have you been reading for?

I'm Leoben.

[dutysubdued]

Hello, Leoben.

I have been reading all day and since I found this book. That was [pause.] three weeks ago in two days time.

[patternprophet]

Who are you?

You've read quite a lot then.

[dutysubdued]

I would like to be called Blue, please.

Yes. I admit I don't understand as much as I should, but I do enjoy the different kinds of handwriting. They're like voices, and no two are alike.

[flying_kickapow]

Creepy.

I think their are about 50 of us, mabye more, give or take. Im Sokka.

[dutysubdued]

Hello, Sokka. Have any of you met before?

[flying_kickapow]

Yeah, some of us. Plus my sisters here.

[dutysubdued]

How many sisters do you have?