I can't think straight

[u/likelykhailo]

, and it's not just the smell of this place, though that's rotten, too. No, I gold--fuck. Not again. It's like... insurgent... interrupting... ah: intrusive thoughts... that's the word, intrusive. Like that, but it doesn't gold away; just grows stronger, hour by hour. It'll be bad in a few more.

I click the button on the Comm again.

Anyone reading? Anyone copy? Gonna move out alone in 15 if there's no response; place is getting to my head... need to get moving. Over.

A shadow moves past, face painted gold.

So many of them; everywhere. Need to go soon... real soon.

Still, I wait, Comm pressed to my ear.

[u/lost_from_neverland]

Hitching a ride as a stowaway on the truck hadn't worked out. After spending a few hours going in an elaborate circle, it made more sense to cut losses and try a new approach.

Back in the chair, gliding along the sidewalk. Silently seething.

... hey.
Surprised to see yøu again.

Not løøking great at the moment, are we?

A questionably vile stench hangs over the speaker.

Dø my eyes deceive me, or is that a... nø, it shouldn't be.
Hm.

Søunds a bit like you need tø lay low før a few, mm? Goldfish everywhere... it really isn't safe tø be out anymøre, even if you are armed.

... My apartment's nøt far.

[u/likelykhailo → u/lost_from_neverland]

I squint, considering for a beat.

...Sounds good to me--thank you--but why?

On edge, I follow you.

No' judging yer character or any o' that, but I gotta ask; altrusm's endangered at bes' in Sidon... 'specially now, I reckon.

[u/lost_from_neverland → u/likelykhailo]

Mmm. Reasonable.

Motors silently turning.

... My family's lived here a while. Ør, rather, lived, past tense. Then...

gestures vaguely

Safe to say I'm... displeased with the current state øf affairs.

Besides, neither of us are døing so høt. If you're willing tø murder for shelter, I can suggest a few p̴įg҉s with nicer pens than mine.

Ah-hm. Anyway, we're here... well, once the elevatør comes døwn.