Chapter Text
432 sits down next to me, cutting out construction paper that they plan to glue into a collage. I wonder what it has to do with anything. They appear to be in deep thought, as if struggling in telling how to say something. What’s it matter?
“432?”
They jump a little, cutting a swift line, a bit beyond what they wanted. They grumble, trying to fix it before looking over at me.
“Is something the matter? You seem more focused than usual.”
They wave it off briefly, finishing up the shape they were cutting out before putting everything down.
‘I’m okay. How have you been as of late?’
They’ve grown more expressive over the… year, I suppose. Just over a year now, hm? Though, it’s almost plastic at times… Quite concerning, to say the least.
“Well… I’m a bit stumped as to where to go now with this story… Of course, I have it all planned out, it’s just… Hm… This one part I can’t seem to- to parse out! I was hoping you could help.”
‘No, I’m just making a cute scene. Maybe, ’ Their eyes brighten up, ‘ you could visit Stella at the old apartment. Change of scenery and Stella’s your old writing partner, so she probably has plenty of ideas!’
“Ah, it’s… It’s such a long drive!”
‘Yes, and I make it twice every week. Suck it up.’
I groan, rolling my eyes.
“I’m not too sure about this… The old apartment?”
‘Yes.’
“I’ll have to pack up…”
‘I can help. I can drive you. We’ll be back in time for your birthday. We can throw a party. Have you done the planning for that?’
“Of course I have, I just- Yes, yes, I’m just not sure about that specific place.”
‘The computer won’t bite you. Stella can cover it up.’
“I-” I sigh.
‘You’ll just be staying there. I can take you around to some murals or maybe a museum, if that helps.’
Their face reveals nothing.
“I… Sigh… Sure. I’ll- I’ll pack up my wardrobe. Don’t poison my drugs…”
I haul myself up, using 432 to help with that, before grabbing my cane. I do stretches everyday, but… Some days I just need the extra support. I make my way up the stairs to my room in order to begin packing.
And, for a brief moment, I could swear I heard 432 let out a sigh of relief. As if they had a plan that was not guaranteed to work.
Once I finished sifting through my wardrobe of button ups, suit jackets, sweaters, and skirts, I packed my choices all into a suitcase and moved onto my bathroom. I packed my shampoo and conditioner- it’s very specific- before getting a travel sized toothbrush and toothpaste to put in the case. I turn my attention to the downstairs. I head back down, looking over at 432, who’s putting my weekly pills into individual baggies for each day. I don’t know why they’re doing this when there’s a container for that, but oh well.
I approach 432 and they look over almost instantly. They hand me the baggies.
‘I didn’t know if the container would pop open during the ride.’
“I- It won’t , well, wouldn’t, but still! I- Oh, you labeled them from the days already… Fine, fine… This will do fine, thank you.”
I search for a bigger bag to put all the little bags into. Upon finding one, I take it upstairs and put the pills away. I look downstairs. God, I don’t think I can handle going down again so soon… I sit at the top.
“32!”
They walk over within the minute. They nod their hand at me.
“When are we going?”
‘When I finish this collage. Are you all packed up?’
“Yes, yes… I even have choices on clothing and spares.”
They roll their eyes at me.
‘Okay, okay… Go take some rest. Stare at the pretty lights.’
I sigh, not bothering with a goodbye as I head back into my room and lay down. Maybe an impromptu trip WILL help… I- I hope so, at least. Maybe something striking will happen! Maybe… I let my mind drift off.