Chapter Text
Memories consume.
Like opening the wound.
I'm picking me apart again.
Act I: Breaking The Habit
Tillamook, Oregon
Judy sat back in the chair of her dimly lit lair, the soft hum of her equipment providing a backdrop for the room. She was in the midst of working on a Brain Dance, her face bathed in the blue light emitted by the BD wreath. The pale glow casting patterns on the surrounding walls, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The recording she was editing was of a man spending time with his wife on their anniversary. His wife had recently passed and had come to Judy’s studio to correct any errors in the recording. As Judy meticulously moved the controls, she couldn't help but be drawn into the narrative of the Brain Dance. The young woman felt a profound sense of sadness and empathy wash over her as she immersed herself in the scenes of the man and his late wife, their shared moments of love and laughter captured in vivid detail. Moments like that stirred Judy's own longing for love and connection.
As deep down beneath the facade of her professional composure lay a past she had been trying to escape for years. Thoughts of Maiko, the woman who once held her heart, made their way into Judy’s head. Maiko broke Judy’s heart in ways she could never fully grasp, leaving scars that never fully healed. Maiko played a core part in Judy's move to Oregon as she sought solace and distance from a love affair that had been more painful than passionate. However, she didn’t let her personal feelings get in the way of her job. She remained focused knowing that she needed to bring the man's memories to life.
After a while, Judy was finally able to take off her wreath. She set her wreath down on the table and slouched back in her chair. Huffing and puffing, the girl pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling the strain from hours of concentration.
Fuck, is it time to close yet?
The girl picked up her phone that was lying on top of the desk, checking the time.
Shit, it’s 9 o’clock already?! It’s time to lock up…
Judy rose from her chair and flicked on the lights, only to be greeted by the unexpected sight of clutter and trash that had accumulated in her workspace. There were scattered papers along her desk, old chip bags, and energy drink cans lying around. It was as if a tornado had passed by and wreaked havoc across her space.
I have to stop working like this…
Judy began to clean her surroundings. She started with the trash on the floor which comprised of chip bags, old sketches, and energy drink cans. Throwing the last bit of them away, she averted her eyes to her desk. She reached for her BD wreath and took out the shard inside of it. She carefully put the item into one of her drawers and began placing more of her equipment in the proper locations. Collecting the remaining paperwork, she neatly stashed them inside a drawer, slamming it shut. Judy then retrieved her gray sweater that was propped on the back support of her chair and slipped it on.
As Judy relaxed, her mind began to drift toward her next move. I could use a small snack before heading home…
She scratched her head and took a deep breath. With her mind made up, Judy turned the lights off and exited her lair. She walked over to the front desk where her best friend was seated. “Hey Rita.” Judy called
Sporting a white sweater and black pants, the pink-haired woman turned around at the sound of her name. “Bout time you came out. Was worried I’d have to call Trauma Team.” She joked.
Judy playfully stuck her middle finger out at Rita with a mischievous smile. "Very funny. But it's time to close up shop for tonight."
Rita couldn't help but grin in response. "My favorite words of the day. You end up finishing the guy's BD?"
"Yep. It's inside my desk, primed and ready to go." Judy confirmed, her voice carrying a sense of accomplishment.
"Preem. I'll give 'em a call and start closing." Rita said, reaching for the phone.
"Alright. Do you want me to stick around and help? Or do you got it?" Judy offered.
Rita responded with a dismissive hand, a confident smirk on her face. "I got it, punchin. Just have to put some paperwork away and I'll be golden." She assured Judy.
“Okie-dokes. See you tomorrow then. Get home safely, Rita.” Judy waved
“You too, punchin!” Rita called with a wave.
Upon walking outside, Judy wrapped her arms around herself. She looked up at the night sky and admired the view.
It’s cold, but at least it’s nice out…
She began to venture west of her studio, down the narrow main street of her charming small town. The buildings that lined the streets were a blend of historic architecture and modern convenience. Gas lamps lined up across the sidewalks, casting a warm and welcoming glow that guided her path. The small and tight-knit community that Judy called home provided her with a profound sense of peace. In contrast to the relentless hustle and chaos of Night City, she considered this place her own personal heaven. Here, there was not a constant blaring of sirens and honking of horns but rather the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze and the distant murmur of the nearby river.
As Judy strolled, she passed the local bar. Laughter and the clinking of glasses spilled into the night sky as proof of the town's jovial spirit. Nearby, the town's park spread out like a green oasis, complete with a playground and a gazebo that served as a gathering place for concerts and community events. With each step, she savored the peace and tranquility that Night City could never offer. It was in this town, amid the beauty of nature and the warmth of community, that Judy had found refuge from the tumultuous life she had left behind.
Continuing to walk down the dimly lit streets, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to Maiko. A vivid image of the womans face filled with charm and deceit flashed before her eyes. Judy felt a confusing mix of love and hatred at the sight of it. She hated the feeling that Maiko still had control over her, even from a distance. "You sure do know how to pick 'em, Judy." she muttered to herself.
Rounding a corner, Judy saw an unfamiliar business across the street. Her eyes searched for the name of the establishment. “Mama Welle’s Brew Haven…” She said to herself. Interested in the new spot, Judy crossed the road to get a closer look.
Entering the establishment, a delicate bell chimed that announced her presence. The coffee shop was empty, with some chairs put face down on top of the tables. Pointing towards the fact that the place was due to close soon. As Judy inhaled the air of the place, she was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of warm coffee and sweet delights.
It smells so good in here…
“Hey, welcome in.” A kind voice greeted
Judy turned her head towards the voice. Behind the counter stood a girl roughly the same age she was. The girl was blonde, with hair reaching a little below her ears. She had green eyes paired with dark eyeliner and black lipstick that added a touch of edge to her overall appearance. Despite the striking exterior, Judy couldn't help but feel a sense of welcome wash over her in response to the warm greeting—a smile formed at the corners of her lips. "Thanks." she replied, walking over to the other girl.
“I like your hair.” The girl commented
"Thank you." Judy replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She raised a hand to her own hair, which was a subtle shade of aquamarine and pink, and twirled a strand between her fingers. "It's not easy to maintain, but I've always liked the colors."
Misty couldn't help but smile as she leaned against the counter, her gaze thoughtful. "It looks good on you. Reminds me of a friend of mine."
Judy arched an eyebrow. "How so?”
"It’s cut similarly, but she had recently dyed it a crimson red." She answered, her voice tinged with warmth.
“Crimson red, huh? Sounds like she has style.” Judy said, a thoughtful expression on her face as she imagined the vibrant hue.
Misty's green eyes held a hint of nostalgia, a faint smile gracing her lips. "You have no idea. She's one of a kind."
"I bet she is." Judy replied, leaving an unspoken invitation for Misty to share more if she wished.
Misty's eyes held a mixture of emotions—nostalgia, affection, and a touch of melancholy. "Yeah, she's…unique. You remind me of her, in a way. Not just the hair, but something in your spirit."
Judy didn’t let the comment go unnoticed.
Something in my spirit? What does that even mean? We just met.
Her mind was filled with curiosity and a growing sense of awkwardness. For a moment, Judy hesitated, the weight of her unspoken thoughts pressing on her tongue. But she decided to take the safer route, not wanting to risk any unintended offense. Instead, she offered a soft smile, hoping to convey her appreciation for Misty's kind words. Afterall she couldn't help but be intrigued by the indirect connection Misty was drawing. "That's quite the compliment. Maybe I’ll meet her someday."
The girl’s smile turned wistful.“She works here during the day. So I’m sure you guys will bump into each other eventually.”
Judy appreciated the girl’s openness about her friend, despite the details being shrouded in mystery. As she contemplated the words the girl just told her, she realized they hadn't even exchanged names yet. A friendly smile returned to Judy's lips.
"I'm Judy, by the way." she introduced herself, extending a hand toward Misty.
Misty's expression brightened as she took Judy's hand. "And I'm Misty." she replied with warmth. "So what can I get for you, Judy?"
“Shoot, I didn’t even look at the menu. Sorry…” Judy said, looking for the menu.
“No worries. Take your time.” Misty responded.
As Judy mulled over the menu, she was pleasantly surprised by the sheer variety of items offered. The menu was sprawled across a chalkboard beside the counter. Judy’s eyes widened as she took it all in. It was clear that whoever Mama Welles was, she took her coffee and food offerings seriously.
From classic espresso beverages like cappuccinos and lattes to specialty concoctions with special names like "Midnight Mocha" and "Starry Chai.” The coffee selection alone was impressive. Judy noticed a section dedicated to exotic teas, herbal infusions, and cold brew options, all carefully crafted to cater to diverse tastes.
Her eyes drifted to the enticing selection of pastries and baked goods displayed in a glass case. There were buttery croissants, flaky danishes, and muffins in various flavors, each one looking more tempting than the last. Judy's mouth watered at the sight of the decadent chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon rolls that practically begged to be paired with a hot beverage.
“I think I’ll just have a small hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin. Already had my fill of caffeine for today.” Judy awkwardly laughed at the end.
"You got it." Misty acknowledged with a friendly smile. "Your total will be..$8.75."
"Got it," Judy replied, a small smile playing on her lips as she reached into her bag to retrieve the money. Her fingers quickly sorted through the bills and coins as she placed the correct amount on the counter, the clinking of coins punctuating the transaction.
“Perfect. I’ll bring it to you in just a second. If you want, you can go ahead and sit down at one of the open tables.” Misty pointed out.
"Thanks Misty." Judy responded.
Judy chose a cozy corner table by the window, bathed in the gentle glow of the ambient lighting. She let out a small sigh, taking in the pleasant environment. Setting her bag on the table with a soft thud, she shifted her gaze to the outside world. Her mind slowly wandered off to a multitude of things. To what she'd be doing next, her work at the Braindance studio, and the sketches she'd been meaning to finish. The soft jazz melodies in the background provided a soothing backdrop for her thoughts, like a gentle stream flowing through her consciousness.
However, as Judy lost herself in the comfort of the cafe, thoughts of Maiko invaded her head again. An array of emotions flooded the woman’s body. The undeniable truth gnawed at her every single day. The truth that she still harbored feelings for the other woman. Like an uninvited guest who refused to depart, her past had a way of lingering, and Judy found herself wrestling with memories she had desperately sought to leave behind.
She had every conceivable reason to despise Maiko, but her heart refused to listen to reason. The mere mention of Maiko's name or the slightest thought of her was enough to send a dull ache to Judy's chest. It was a confusing feeling, one that Judy couldn't easily express.
Even after leaving Night City, I still can’t escape you. After all the shit you put me through. The lies, the cheating, the abuse, I can’t get you out of my head. Why can’t you leave me alone? I sometimes question if you even loved me at all. Or if you were just using me like a damn joytoy. God, I'm so stupid.
Her frustration and anger swelled as she replayed the memories of the past.
I did everything for you, yet you couldn't do the bare minimum for me.
“Judy?” A voice called, shaking her out of her thoughts.
Startled, Judy perked her head up at the mention of her name. Her eyes landed on Misty, who stood in front of her, holding the items she had ordered.
“Are you okay?” Misty asked, her tone filled with genuine concern, as she set the items beside Judy's bag.
Judy took a moment to collect herself, her mind still swimming in the sea of her thoughts. She managed a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah. I just have some stuff going on in my personal life." she admitted.
Misty, her perceptive nature shining through, didn't press for details but offered a compassionate ear. "Wanna talk about it? I know we just met and all, but I’m a good listener." She said, her green eyes filled with empathy.
"It's fine. Besides, I don't want to distract you from work," Judy said, her words tinged with appreciation for Misty's kindness.
Misty smiled warmly, her concern genuine. "Well, you are the first customer to walk in the last hour. So, if anything, you'd be doing me a favor. But if you don't want to, then that's okay."
Judy considered the offer for a moment, her arms crossed in thought. "Maybe I'll take you up on that offer sometime." she replied, her voice softening. "But for now, I'd rather not talk about it."
Misty nodded understandingly, respecting Judy's boundaries. "It's okay. I understand," she said, her tone gentle.
But before Misty walked away, she hesitated for a moment, her green eyes shooting a thoughtful look. "If you want, I can do a Tarot card reading?" she asked, her voice filled with sincerity. "It could help with whatever you have going on without going into detail. Maybe shine a light somewhere you haven't looked before."
"Tarot card reading? Isn't that..." Judy began, her words trailing off as she contemplated the offer. She had never been one to put much stock in such practices, but Misty's genuine concern seemed to create an atmosphere of trust.
With a small, thoughtful smile, Judy decided to embrace the moment of spontaneity. "You know what? Sure. I've never tried it before, but I’m open to anything at this point."
Misty returned her smile, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "Great! Let me grab my deck. We can do it right here if you don't mind."
Judy nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation building within her. What was supposed to just be a simple snack break before heading home, turned into a psychic appointment. Her eyes shifted to the table. She had almost forgotten she ordered food. Picking up the cup of her hot chocolate, she hummed in response at the taste of it.
Taste just like my abuelas…
She set the coffee down, opting to try out the muffin. She slowly unwrapped the pastry and ripped a chunk out of it. Placing the piece into her mouth, she began chewing. The soft fluffiness of the muffin was a welcomed pleasure along with the explosion of flavor created by the blueberries. Judy nodded to herself in delight as she picked another piece off the muffin.
While Judy was enjoying her snacks, she saw Misty on her way over with a stack of cards. She removed her bag from the table and set it next to the leg of her chair. Then she moved her snacks closer towards herself in order to make room for Misty.
"Alright, here we go." Misty said, pulling out the chair opposite Judy. She placed her Tarot card deck on the table, its ornate designs reflecting off the lights in the building.
Judy watched with intrigue as Misty began to carefully shuffle the deck of cards. "So how exactly does this sort of thing work? I've never had a Tarot card reading before." she admitted, her curiosity piqued by the mysterious allure of the cards.
She smiled at Judy's curiosity. "Tarot cards are like a mirror to your subconscious and inner thoughts. Each card in this deck represents different aspects of life, emotions, and experiences. When we draw and interpret these cards, they can provide insights, guidance, or a fresh perspective on whatever questions or situations you're facing. The key is that the cards themselves don't have magical powers. Instead, they help us tap into our own subconscious to find the answers."
Judy nodded, starting to grasp the concept. "I think I get it. It's kind of like a tool to help us explore our own thoughts and feelings more deeply?"
"Exactly." Misty replied, impressed by Judy's quick understanding. "The Tarot is a tool for self-reflection and can offer guidance by making you think about things from different angles. It's like having a conversation with your inner self, and I'm here to help facilitate that conversation."
Misty picked up a card and showed it to Judy. “For example, this card is the High Priestess. She represents intuition, mystery, and the hidden realms of the subconscious. When this card appears in a reading, it often suggests that there's something beneath the surface. Something you might not be fully aware of yet. It encourages you to trust your instincts and tap into your inner wisdom. It can also indicate a need for patience and stillness, allowing things to unfold naturally."
Judy examined the card, its intricate imagery capturing her eyes. "So if I were to get this card in a reading, it might mean that I should pay more attention and take time to reflect on a situation?"
"Yep. See, you're starting to get it now. Wish my boyfriend understood it as fast as you did..." Misty said with a hint of amusement.
"They're a bit of a gonk, huh?" Judy teased, a playful glint in her eye.
Misty chuckled. "Something like that. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I love him regardless." Her mind briefly drifted to an image of her somewhat clueless partner.
"Must be nice..." Judy said, her voice tinged with a touch of envy.
Misty sensed there might be a sensitive topic at hand. "Shoot. I'm sorry. touchy subject?"
Judy sighed, revealing a bit of vulnerability. "Don't be. And yeah...yeah, it is." An image of Maiko came to mind.
Misty frowned, not wanting to make her new friend upset. "Maybe the reading will help point you on the right path."
"Guess there's only one way to find out." Judy replied, her anticipation growing as she leaned forward.
Setting the cards facedown, Misty drew a card from the top of the deck and revealed it to Judy. Judy looked at the card, her eyes widening with curiosity. "The Fool card." Misty said, her voice gentle.
Judy raised a brow. “Is that bad?”
Misty shook her head with a reassuring smile. “Not necessarily. This card is all about new beginnings, taking risks, and embracing the unknown. It signifies a fresh start or a leap of faith into something new and exciting."
Judy considered this for a moment, skepticism evident on her face. "So, it's like a reminder to not be afraid of starting something new, even if it feels a bit risky?"
Misty nodded. "Exactly. The Fool card encourages you to trust your instincts and follow your heart. It symbolizes optimism and the belief that every journey starts with that first step."
“Seeing the position I’m in right now in life, I’m not exactly sure how to take that. But keep going.” Judy said.
Misty nodded in response. With Judy's curiosity piqued and her sense of adventure growing, Misty drew from the deck again. Upon seeing the card herself, she placed it in front of Judy.
“Well, would you look at that?” Misty said, in surprise.
“What does this one mean?” Judy asked
"The Two of Cups." Misty said, her voice tinged with warmth. "This card represents a deep and harmonious connection with someone, often in the context of love or close relationships. It suggests that a significant bond is on the horizon, one filled with shared emotions, trust, and mutual understanding."
A soft smile played on Judy's lips as she absorbed the card's meaning. "Bit ironic, isn’t it?"
"Just a tad bit, but hey, maybe life is trying to tell you something," Misty said with a thoughtful look in her eyes.
Judy leaned in, eager to learn more. "Anything else I should know about this one?" she asked, her curiosity growing with each card and revelation.
“It seems that love and meaningful connections are in your near future. Keep your heart open and be ready to embrace this beautiful connection when it arrives." Misty told her.
“I don’t know about that one…” Judy said pessimistically
"And now for the final card…" Misty said, her fingers trembling slightly as she slowly drew the last card. Her green eyes fixed on the card's surface, hiding a mixture of worry and uncertainty.
Judy, eagerly awaiting the last card's revelation, leaned in closer, her curiosity laced with a touch of apprehension. She couldn't help but notice Misty's unease.
The moment seemed to stretch as Misty carefully revealed the card, placing it in front of Judy. The card itself depicted a hooded figure wielding a scythe, standing amidst a field of sunflowers and beneath a radiant sun.
Judy's eyes widened as she took in the image, her breath caught in her throat. She glanced up at Misty, a hint of concern in her eyes. "The Death card." Misty said, her voice gentle yet filled with solemnity.
Judy's brow furrowed with worry. "I don’t like the sound of that."
Misty took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Let me explain. The Death card is often misunderstood. It doesn't always represent physical death. It's more about transformation, letting go of the old to make way for the new."
Judy stared at the card, trying to absorb its meaning. "So, it's not about someone actually dying?"
Misty shook her head. "No. It signifies the end of one phase in life and the beginning of another. It's about change, rebirth, and shedding the past to embrace what lies ahead."
Judy felt a mixture of relief and curiosity. "So, it's like a fresh start?"
Misty nodded, her expression softening. "Exactly. The Death card can signify the need for transformation in one's life. It encourages you to let go of what no longer serves you and to welcome change, even if it's challenging."
"Wow…don't know what to say about that exactly…" Judy said. The mention of a bright future felt like a distant dream, one she wasn't sure she could ever truly embrace.
Misty could sense Judy's hesitation and the weight of her past experiences. She reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Judy's. "It's okay. I know it can be a bit much to take in, but for what it's worth, these were all good draws despite their intense nature. Sounds like you have a bright future ahead if you follow your heart."
Judy's gaze shifted to meet Misty's empathetic eyes, appreciating the gesture of support. "I'm not too sure about that. Whenever I did listen to my heart, things didn't exactly go my way. Don't see how doing it now could be any different just because of some card readings…"
Misty's smile remained gentle and understanding as she continued. "Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it. And sometimes, the most meaningful connections and moments come from the most unexpected places."
Judy chuckled, the sound carrying a genuine warmth. "You're painfully optimistic. You know that?"
Misty laughed softly. "It's my specialty."
Their friendly exchange continued in the cozy environment of the coffee shop. Judy, shifted her attention to her phone and noticed the time. As the clock neared 10, a subtle pang of responsibility crept over her. She sighed and gracefully rose from her chair. "It's getting late. I should probably be heading out."
Misty nodded in understanding, rising from her seat as well. "Of course. It was wonderful meeting you, Judy."
Judy smiled, genuinely grateful for the unexpected encounter and the insight she had gained from the Tarot reading. "Likewise, Misty. Thanks for the Tarot session. The food was delicious by the way."
“Glad you enjoyed it. Everything here is made with Mama Welles special recipes. I’ll be sure to let her know what you think.” She replied warmly.
With one final wave goodbye, the two went their own separate ways. As Judy stepped out into the cool night air, her heart felt a little lighter. Her mind couldn't help but think about the Tarot cards and what each one had in store for her.
Maybe my luck is finally starting to turn around…or I’m just being delusional again. Whatever the case is, I doubt it could get any worse right?