voice;

[kidjoy]

[It’s been a long time since she’s addressed the community. While she’s always sounded annoyed, now there’s a heartache behind the anger. An exhaustion, a defeat.]

Back in the desert we got this story that gets told to every greenie that shows up in the sand. That it don’t matter if you went and got dusted ‘cause your shadow still lives on. [A shaky, sharp breath.] Killjoys never die.

But in this place, it ain’t true. The desert doesn’t believe in death but here there’s no life to begin with. Light’s out is just light’s out. [The anger in her voice picks up, deep and visceral.] All this place gives is empty promise after empty promise, dangles lil’ shiny pieces of hopin’ right in your face then laughs it away again. Just makes everythin’ you were ever told one damn cruel joke.

[There’s a few moments of nothing of but heavy breathing and snotty snuffles before she starts again, voice forcibly more calm.]

So why don’t all you rat kings and thrill seekers and wannabe white suits give me a new story worth believin' in?

Comments

[kidjoy]

Mm. Maybe.

Diner? A for real one? [Obviously he wouldn't offer otherwise, but it takes her off guard. Diner would always first and foremost make her think of home.] Doing what? I don't really know how to cook.

[warandpeace]

Sweeping or something small. Something easy.

[Which isn't really teaching her a trade like he usually believes in, but she's already very creative and it seems like giving her time to think would be good for her.]

[kidjoy]

I could handle that. I mean, I never did a lot of cleanin', but I can work pretty hard when I wanna.

[warandpeace]

I wouldn't ask too much work of you, so you wouldn't have to worry about that.

[He doesn't expect other children to have the work ethic he had as a child. If anything, he would hope that they wouldn't have.]

[kidjoy]

You don't have to go easy on me. I don't mind helpin' you out. Like you better than anyone else I'd have to work for.

[warandpeace]

I'll take that as a compliment.

Alright then. I'll give you the address. Hopefully you're not too far away.

[kidjoy]

It is one.

Thanks. Close enough for me.