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Quinn
Like a double-sided mirror another more sinister world lurks in the shadows.
Phoebe
*Raises an eyebrow skeptically*
Phoebe
(What mischief is she cooking up?)
Quinn nods, hands dancing as she speaks
Quinn
A dark underworld full of monsters that look just like you and me.
Quinn
They delight in spreading terror and death wherever they please.
Quinn
Long ago, they receded into the very darkest corners...
Quinn
Patiently waiting for a time when they might recover from their former glory.
Her voice lowers to a breathy whisper.
Quinn
But the shadows are growing darker, and the monsters are tired of hiding.
I can only stare at her in horrified wonder.
Phoebe
Are these the kind of stories you tell with your puppets?
Phoebe
You must be giving those poor children nightmares.
Quinn blinks, taken aback, before snickering.
Quinn
Ah, but even the children know better than to dismiss my words.
I gaze into the shadow of the alley, her words echoing in my head.
Phoebe
(Does such a world actually exist?)
Phoebe
(Do monsters like that really walk among us?)
Phoebe
(It sounds like something out of a book.)
A sudden chill crawls over my skin, and I shudder.
Quinn
Did I terrify you that much?
Quinn unwraps one of the scarves from her waist before I can respond.
Quinn
Here, wear this. it'll keep you warm.
Quinn
It wouldn't do for you to fall ill.
Quinn
The good doctor is busy, afterall.
She winks, her grin full of mischief.
Quinn
No, I don't feel the cold much.
Quinn
I've grown accustomed to long dark nights.
I look back and forth between Quinn and her scarf.
Phoebe
(It does look warm, it's nice of her to offer.)
Phoebe
(But something tells me her kindness comes with a price.)
I look at the scarf and shake my head.
Phoebe
No, I'll be alright. Thank you.
Quinn shrugs and ties it around her waist.
Quinn
Suit yourself. If you catch a cold don't blame me.
Phoebe
I won't catch a cold. I'm not as fragile as I look.
She taps the end of my nose.
Quinn
What a cute toy you are.
I suddenly become aware of the heavy silence.
Phoebe
(Nicole's stopped speaking the last rites. She must be gone.)
I close my eyes and say a quick prayer in the woman's memory.
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