Cavernensis

TV1> So, what can you tell us about this species? You mentioned the lived in caves. TV2> Yes, as you can see by their large eyes and pale skin. It is safe to say they are nocturnal... They're scarry. TV2> ...we don't yet know whether they are strict cave dwellers or if they hide underground during the day to forage outside at night. TV1> Do they have natural predators? TV2> We don't have direct evidence but the Amazon forest is a dangerous place. Large boa species and jaguars would be perfectly capable of killing an adult cavernensis. Most animals would rather be active during the day when given the choice. TV1> What do we know about their social structure? TV2> Very little Richard. They definitely exhibit social behaviors and use verbal communication. TV1> A form of primitive language? TV2> Yes, absolutely. They seem to employ a range of complex vocalizations, not unlike that of other great apes. TV1> Time is running low which is a shame, this is a fascinating discovery. TV1> One last question, do you think this new species belongs in the genus homo? TV2> This is a good question Richard. Ever since we published our first observations it has been a raging debate among anthropologists. TV2> My belief, which is purely personal, is that cavernensis as a species is more closely related to us than any other ape. TV2> Of course this needs to be confirmed by anatomical and genetic analyses but I am confident that we will soon add another branch to our family tree. TV1> Isn't it a bit like being reunited with a long-lost sibling? TV2> Absolutely. Both Neanderthals and Denisovans went extinct around thirty thousand years ago. Since then we had been the only known species in the homo genus. TV2> I think such a discovery is bound to change the way we think about mankind. TV1> Thank you very much Bertrand, I'm sure time is at a premium for you. TV2> Thank you for having me. TV1> Coming up, new exclusive pictures of homo cavernensis taken by your team in Brazil. Daddy I'm scared. D> It's ok, don't look Carla. It's time for bed anyway. A> I can put Carla to bed. D> Thank you Alice, it's fine. They will show the pictures again. D> Up you go girls. Why are they so scary? D> They look different from us because they live in a very different environment. D> I'm sure they find us big and scary too, especially when we come from so far away to study them. Why do we study them? D> Brush your teeth. D> We're just curious, we want to know everything. D> We want to discover every animal, every plant, every star in the sky... D> ...it gives us an illusion of control. As soon as we understand things, they stop being scary. D> Anyways, time for bed girls! D> Goodnight. Alice. A> What? I'm scared. A> You're dumb. A> Come here. S> Carla, if your dad is dead, doesn't that make you an orphan? No. S> Why not? You don't have parents anymore. I'm not an orphan, I have my sister. S> That's not how it works. Of course it is! A> Carla, I'm very sorry for making you come all this way... It's nothing, don't worry. How are you feeling? You've lost weight. A> I'm ok. A> Listen, I need to ask you a favor. Anything. A> I need heavier treatment than expected, that means I will be staying at the hospital until things get better. Alice... A> They will heal me, it is just a rough stretch. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. A> I just need you to do something in the meantime. Can you take care of Molly for me? Molly? You never told me you had a pet. A> No, we didn't speak much over the last few years. I'm sorry, I was just very busy with work. A> It's fine. What kind of pet is it? A dog? A bird? Molly sounds like parrot name. A> Come. You didn't answer. What is it? A> She is not really a pet. What does that mean? A> Come, see for yourself. You scare me. Did you have a kid? A> Do you remember when they discovered homo cavernensis? That's a name I hadn't heard in more than a decade. I remember, they were everywhere on TV back in the day. Dad was fascinated by them but they scared me, especially as a kid, they look so creepy. Feels like an eternity ago... A> They can be bought as exotic pets. What? Don't tell me Molly is one of those things? A> Most people find they look uncanny, but there is so much more to it. They are far smarter than any other pet you can get. A> Come, you need to see her. I'm not sure I... A> Molly! Come here. Oh my God. That's so much worse than I thought. The small face, the big eyes, the hair. That's a monster. Why does she move like that? A> They are cave dwellers, they can't stand like us. She looks like a human spider with her long limbs. Alice, why would you keep such a thing? A> Once you get past the appearances you realize just how sweet and affectionate they are. Well that's the issue, I'm not getting past the appearances, that thing is freaking me out. She has claws, human hands with black claws. A> Molly, come here, don't worry about Carla, she's my sister. Don't let her climb on you! A> You're stressing her out! She's stressing me out too! A> Molly, I have something to tell you. A> I need to stay at the hospital for a while and I can't take you with me, trust me, I wish I could. It may take some time but I will come back, I promise. A> In the meantime, Carla will take care of you, so be good girl, ok? A> Of course I will hold you before I go. Is that... Is she crying? A> Don't be sad Molly, the doctors will do everything they can so I get better quickly. A> They are not pets but... companions. Molly is the most precious thing I have. I know I am asking a lot from you, but please, take good care of her sister. A> I beg you. How... how do I even do that? A> I'll tell you everything you need to know. They are clean, quiet and don't need much space, perfect for apartments. The idea of that thing creeping around my place doesn't spark joy, as Marie Kondo would say... A> She has a climbing tree and various toys to keep herself busy with, she is independent and learns very quickly. You mostly need to feed her which isn't hard. She climbs too? Lovely spider-person... A> They're also good swimmers, they can hold their breath for ten minutes. All of it helps in their natural habitat, here not so much. I assume they don't need to be walked. A> No, they are scared of open spaces. What is she wearing? Is that one of your tops? A> Their slender bodies lose heat quickly and our climate isn't exactly that of Brazil. I will give you a bunch of my old clothes for her to wear. Everything's loaded. Alice, you're ok? A> Yes, the effort made me a bit dizzy, it'll pass. Alice. I'm sorry for before, I shouldn't have freaked out, it was stupid and selfish. You've done so much for me. Taking care of Molly is the least I can do. A> Thank you Carla. Don't worry about us, I'll keep her healthy and happy, until you come back. A> We're good to go. Can you carry Molly to the car please? A> She'll be scared of going outside, I should be the one doing it but I'm still winded. She's not heavy. Sure, one homo cavernensis coming right up. Molly! Molly, where are you? Past the appearances, sweet and affectionate... Molly, there you are little freak. Come here! Looking lost. I know the feeling, when the movers take everything and you're left standing in the empty space that used to be home... When our father died, I was twelve, Alice was sixteen. Our care fell to an aunt, together with everything we owned. She sold it all and did the bare minimum for us, knowing that as soon as Alice turned eighteen she could kick us out. It sucked, it was horrible but Alice was always there to comfort me. Not sure how much you understand... do you ever feel guilt, in your little brain, behind those big eyes? Life got in the way, I was absorbed by my work to the point of forgetting I had a sister. It took her getting cancer for me to realize we had stopped talking... I'm sorry for calling you a monster earlier. Seems like you're very dear to my sister, I trust her... Come, I'll carry you to the car. Damn you're scrawny, feels like a bundle of sticks. A> There they are. Let's put her in the trunk. In the trunk? A> They love tight places and the darkness will calm her. Right, cave dwellers... A> Ok, all set up. The last box has toys in it so nothing urgent. What about... you know, wastes? A> She uses the toilets. No way, you're pulling my leg... A> They are extremely trainable, far more than chimps, and will often mimic us for fun. Guess I'm starting to see the appeal, maybe I'll hire her as an assistant... A> Thank you again. A> Out of everything, it was my biggest worry... A> Carla, I know it's a big commitment, I'm sorry for putting it on you but if I were to die... Please, don't say that, the doctors will do what they need to! A> It is a possibility. Listen to me. A> Cavernensis cannot be adopted anymore, she won't find another family, they will euthanize her if you ever let her go. So please... Of course I will keep her, I promise. Don't cry. She's in good hands, I'll give you updates, don't worry about us, just rest and heal well. A> Thank you. A> I gotta go, get the apartment in order... Take care sis, I will come to see you as often as possible. A> Thank you again. A> Molly, don't be sad. Be a good girl for Carla until I come back, ok? A> See you... Guess it's just the two of us now. You look like a freak yet she loves you, maybe there's still hope for us singles... The sad eyes, I know. It's already late. You're hungry? Oats, milk, special powder. High in proteins, fairly low in carbs, just how she told me... There's still so much I don't know, got some reading to do. There, some kind of porridge for Molly. Careful, it's hot. What's wrong? Yes, food, for eating. Oh, a spoon, here. She wasn't lying about you acting like a person. Yes, it's hot, blow on it. Gotta admit, you're a funny one. Goodnight Molly. No, you can't come in, you've got a nice sleeping spot in the living room. I will see you tomorrow morning ok? I'm not letting you into my room. Why would you adopt such a creepy thing Alice? I know, past the appearances and all that... Oh no. What the fuck is that? She's scratching at the door. Oh my God, that's terrifying. Molly, no! She's weeping now... That's even worse. Stop it! Shut up! Sorry sis, gotta wake you up... Please answer, please answer, please answer... A> Carla? A> What's happening? Is that Molly I hear? Listen I tried to go to bed but she want to come into the room. I closed the door but now she's weeping and scratching. I don't know what to do, please Alice, do something. A> Calm down Carla, you're speaking too fast. I said she wants to come into the bedroom. A> Carla, she used to sleep with me. What? On the bed? A> Yes. It's... I... no way, I can't do that, there's gotta be something else... A> She won't bother you, you have nothing to fear. I... A> I will speak to her. What? A> Through the phone, she will recognize my voice. You will see. Ok, opening the door. A> Molly, it's me. A> I wish I could be there with you, I really do, but for know you need to behave for my sister. A> You can trust her, she's like me, just don't disturb her when she sleeps, ok? A> I miss you Molly. There, you can come in, but no weirdness. A> Thank you Carla. You have nothing to fear, try to forget about how she looks, picture a big fluffy dog instead. Easier said than done... I'm sorry for waking you up sis. A> It's nothing, have a good night. Come on, you're in now. Ok, there is good, like a big fluffy dog. Molly? Just how much do you understand? Turn your head. Good. Give me your hand. Looks almost human, except for the claws. Sit. Good. Lie down. Good, very good... So you do understand quite a bit... and you're obedient too, good girl. Molly, I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier. I was scared. Your hair is soft. Alice used to stroke my hair like that when I was small. I wish you could sleep with her tonight but life is unfair. Oh God. Right. Fucking nightmare fuel... Why did I agree again? It's nothing Molly. Good morning. Guess we're really living together now. I work from home so I'll be here a lot more than Alice, just don't disturb me when I talk to clients, ok? Shower then breakfast. Where are you going little one? No, not in the shower too, you're so clingy! God damnit, don't stick your face to the glass! The pale skin, clawed hands, long black hair, you're really out of an horror movie! Fine, come in. Hopefully you'll be less creepy inside. Do you need a good wash too? Maybe that's the reason, let's get this off. Nevermind, that's just as unsettling. So pale, so skinny, look at your ribs! I'm sure Alice fed you well, guess you just don't grow fat. No body hair at all, convenient, won't be causing any allergies, just scaring people shitless... I'm sorry Molly, that's mean of me. You didn't choose to be like that, maybe I look weird to you as well. Is the water right? Yeah, rubbing, you got it. Pretty flexible, no spot in your back you can't reach that's for sure. You're done? You can take the red towel next to the sink and dry yourself off. Pretty smart too... Damnit. Of course you can turn your head all the way around, why not... Very impressive Molly. Alice, how are you feeling? A> Tired but it's ok, I can get all the rest I need. A> How is Molly? She's doing good. Still creepy but you were right, she's sweet, creepy-cute maybe... A> That's good. Alice, did you get her to replace me? A> No, of course not! I don't mean it that way but... you always took care of me, especially after father died, then I found my job and left you alone. I'm sorry. A> Don't be! I'm incredibly proud of who you have become, you couldn't stay a child forever. And so I wonder if you didn't adopt Molly to fill that gap, to have a little person to care for... A> Maybe. A> We do things for reasons we don't always understand. A> I thought about getting a dog, I've always liked them, but it would have been a small one and even so, keeping a dog in an apartment is cruel... and messy. A> The guy at the pet store told me he had an opportunity to get a cavernensis and would sell her for a fraction of the price if I adopted her quickly. A> That was four years ago when legislation was catching up and they were on the verge of becoming illegal. Wait, you mean keeping Molly is illegal? A> No, only selling or buying cavernensis as pets, those who were adopted before that date can be kept legally. So you've had her for four years? How old is she anyway? A> They went for adoption when they reached sexual maturity, around six years old. So she is ten, almost eleven. How long do they live? A> We don't know for sure. How can that be? A> Remember when they were discovered? That was twenty years ago, those born in captivity can't be any older than that. A> In the wild it seems they live to around thirty but scientists think they could reach forty or fifty with adequate care. That's a long time, more than half of a human life. A> Same as large parrots. Fair. I'm happy for Molly, to think she is still young and has a lot more to live for. Time for bed little one, come. Do you like being held? You're a baby... I went to see Alice today. She says she feels ok, but she's lost weight. I'm afraid Molly, worse than that, I feel so horribly powerless. I should have studied medicine instead of graphic design... When Alice turned eighteen, the aunt we stayed with arranged for us to move into a small studio apartment. She left us enough of dad's money to pay rent for two years. Rent alone is not enough to live however, so Alice took up a job to pay for our expanses. I graduated highschool with good marks, I wanted to make her proud. She insisted that I studied something I liked and that she would support me for however long it took. I like my job, it is pleasant, it pays well, I can work from home... all of it is thanks to her. She worked tirelessly to grant me the life she couldn't have. Then, somewhere along the way, I forgot about her. I remembered what she had done of course, I always loved her, always felt incredibly thankful. All of it was in my mind however. I loved a memory, a snapshot from when I was a teen. I forgot about the real Alice, I left her alone and it might be too late to make up for it... I was selfish and complacent Molly, if only... ...I would trade years of my life to prolong hers if I could, five to one, ten to one, anything... What are you... Sure, go ahead little one. You can lick my tears, whatever makes you happy... Come here little one. I'll braid your hair, see how you like it. Maybe that's something your kind does in the wild, who knows... I've been reading whatever I can find about your species, turns out we don't know that much. Living in such a remote part of the globe, hidden underground, seems like you did everything never to be found. Your hair is thick and soft, I'm jealous. It is true that you are fascinating, I'm starting to understand dad. More than a decade too late... There, looking less like a wild beast and more like a lady! You don't like it? Feels weird? Maybe it'd be dangerous in nature, it could get caught on something and the jaguars would catch you. Sink their teeth into what little flesh have. Can't allow that, I promised Alice I'd keep you safe from predators... I'll snap a picture before we undo it, it'll make her happy. A smile? No, serious face? You look like an accountant, just need glasses. Feels better when they're free to flow like that? Have you seen The Ring little one? Unlikely. There's a girl in that movie who has the same long black hair. She's pale and crawls exactly like you, with just one eye showing, like that. Slowly, menacingly. Movie monsters don't ask for cuddles, you've failed the audition. It's better that way. Oh God, don't stand up! Oh no, that's super creepy. You scare me. Molly! There, that's better. That's very scary Molly, please don't do that. You're not meant to stand like us, your body is not built for it. You could fall and hurt yourself. I'm sorry for yelling Molly, come here. I didn't expect you to be this tall, never thought about it. It's true you have long limbs... Imagine if you fell and broke a bone. That would be trouble, would need to put you in a cast. Isn't laying down more comfortable anyway? I'll tell you a secret Molly. We act all proud and mighty on our two legs but truth is, we don't know better than other animals, we're just more arrogant. Stay the way nature made you little one, it's for the best... Oh, it's almost lunch time, didn't notice. I've got a surprise for you. Look, fresh fish! It seems your species eats quite a bit of fish in the wild. These are trouts, not exactly what you'd find in caves, but close enough. Now, do you want it raw or cooked? I see how it is! Guess only mine needs frying. Don't eat so fast, little animal. The papers I've been reading also say you hunt bats, that's nasty... The store didn't have fresh bats anyway. Doesn't she look like a little accountant? A> Very cute. A> It's also something I did when I got her, well, not immediately... Why not? A> Earning her trust took a long time, cavernensis raised in captivity were not always treated well, that's part of the reason it was outlawed. Should never have been legal in the first place, poor Molly... A> Yes, it took months for her to get used to physical contact, which is very important to their species. During that time I often wondered if I had made the right choice... You did well, she loves being held, a real baby. A> The only thing that worked was to lower the temperature until she was forced to come to me for warmth... just thinking about it I feel horribly guilty... It's ok, you did what you had to, I'm sure she forgave you long ago. A> I am happy you two are getting along, whatever happens... What will happen is you coming home to Molly. The nurse said you respond well to the treatment. A> You're right. I'm just so tired. A> I struggle to fall asleep, days go by in a blurry haze, chemo, pills, food, all grey and tasteless. It'll get better. A> I'm not afraid of dying, leaves me indifferent. A> I'm afraid of having the last months of my life stolen, wasting what little time is left withering away in an hospital bed when I could be at home. Alice, please. A> I'm sorry, it's just what I think about. A> Doctors say it's getting better, I trust them, just doesn't feel like it. Is there anything I can do for you? A> You look like our mother. Don't say that! A> I mean physically. It's true you remember her... A> Not really, I was six when she left. A> But there's this one clear memory in which she looks down at me with that same concerned expression. A> I don't know how old I was, maybe I was a baby in my crib or maybe she was just about to leave. A> Was she concerned about me or about herself, about the divorce? Who knows... A> In the memory she turns away and says something to dad, no idea what exactly. A> It's just this one scene that comes up whenever I think about her. Did you miss her? A> It's so far away now... I don't remember what I thought at the time. A> At some point I came to the resolution that she didn't deserve to be missed, she abandoned us. Do you think she ever missed us? Likely not... A> I can't really think about the future so I go over the past instead, again and again, wondering who was right, who was wrong, how things could have been... It's nothing Molly, I'm just tired. I need to lay down for a while. What are you smelling? I see. I smell like the hospital do I not? Can't hide anything from you little one. They say treatment is going well... I always thought of life and death as two separate things, at some point you pass from one to the other, suddenly. It is what happened to dad, motorcycle accident, he died the second the truck hit him, just like that. People kept on telling us that "he did not suffer", talk about a consolation prize... I was twelve, I did not really get it, I had other concerns. Now I understand that people can die slowly too, becoming more and more dead, until... I'm sorry little one, I don't mean to worry you. It's just that I had never seen her so small and vulnerable before. She was always strong, proud, she knew everything. More importantly, she was the only one who cared for me in the sea of indifferent adults. So called family. Molly, when she comes back we will need to be very good to her. What are you doing back there? Hey, no biting! Molly! What's with you? Don't bite my neck! Bad girl, don't turn away! What does that mean? You want me to do it to you? Why? Little freak. Fine. From behind like that? I see, hold the arms, wrap the legs. There, nice and tight. No moving. Oh no, you're not going anywhere. I'm stronger and bigger, I'll pin you! Bite the neck like that? Oh. You moan almost like a person, that's disturbing. That's how your species mates, isn't it? Naughty Molly. I'm sorry, I'm not a fitting mate for you little one. Guess you too have desires, so far away from your kind... Fine, I'll bite if you enjoy it so much. Did my sister also play these games with you? I don't need to know... Molly, is it true you'd eat snails in the wild? I guess you don't even know what these are... The article says "snails and other small land invertebrates". Raw snails, gross. Fish and bats, yum. Roots, fruits and various plants, that's nice. Molly, open your mouth. It's true what they say, you've got quite the canines. Wide, wide. That's a lot of stretch, us humans can't do that. You look like a cat, when they yawn. Little beast, to think you eat at the table with a spoon. You've been domesticated little one. Look, you're even wearing clothes. These are volleyball shorts, easily fifteen years old. The pink stripes used to be bright red. Alice wore them for gym class before passing them down to me and now look at you... When your species was discovered I remember a scientist on TV, or maybe it was the host, comparing it to finding a new sibling. Maybe he was right in more ways than one... Humans are selfish and arrogant, to think we have the right to keep you as pets. Are you happy living with us? I'm sure life in a rainforest is harder, you go hungry, you get hurt... The jaguar pounces on you, like that! The anaconda coils around your scrawny body, tries to swallow you whole. You're safe here at least. Still, makes me sad to think you could be living with your kind, experiencing your own joys, your own pains... Maybe I'm wrong, it's not like you can compare, this is the only life you know after all... Anyway. Fish's on the menu today. N> Are you a relative? Yes, I'm her sister. N> I see. She should be able to leave in a few days, as soon as she recovers a bit of strength. So it's over? N> She will have to come back for regular checkups, monthly, then yearly. We need to make sure all of the cells have been destroyed. N> Does she have anyone who can take care of her at home? Yes, she has me. N> She's lucky. She needs to rest and eat well, mild exercise helps. Thank you. Is she... N> She's asleep right now. It's fine, no need to wake her up, we'll have plenty of time to catch up. Thank you for everything. I bet you've never seen something like that before little one. Behold the inflatable mattress! Alice will sleep in the bed, I'll be using that. Get on it while I inflate it. You'll see, it's fun. Doesn't it feel like you're floating? Molly, there's something I need to tell you. Alice won't be the same when she comes back, she's been through a lot. You two can't stay here forever and I know she doesn't want to be a burden, she's proud... When you come home, I want you to take good care of her. Can you do that? I know it's a lot of responsibilities on your small shoulders but you'll do fine. I'll visit whenever I can. I'll even bring fresh fish I promise. I'll miss you. Maybe I should get a pet of my own but I know it wouldn't compare... Alice was right all along. Guess a boyfriend is the next best thing. He won't be as smart, nor as cute however... A> Thank you for driving me home. I'm still so tired. Don't mention it. A> We need to move Molly's things back, will handle it tomorrow, buy groceries too... I'm sure you missed her. A> Yes, I missed everything. A> Carla, that's the wrong direction. I'm taking you straight to her. You will be living with us for the next few weeks until you're feeling better. Just let me do everything. A> It's... Please, sis. A> Fine. You'll see, there's a climbing tree, toys and I'll give you a bunch of my old clothes to wear. A> You're the worst... A> Thank you. It's nothing. A> Will feel like old times living together... Except I'll take care of everything, you just rest and recover. You've done so much for me in the past... A> Carla. All of that was just a convenient excuse not to think about what I wanted to do with my life. That doesn't change anything. A> I decided to raise you because I knew it would keep me busy for the next ten years. A> It gave me purpose, it meant I didn't have to choose. I gladly accepted the role of selfless big sister life had given me... A> Maybe you think I sacrificed myself for your sake but truth is I wouldn't have done any better on my own... Don't worry, we'll figure it out. What is it Molly? Why the big eyes? A> Carla, there's enough room in the bed. She's grabbing me. A> Come in, don't be dumb. Fine. A> Remember when cavernensis on TV gave you nightmares? How things have changed... A> Yet you're back in my bed. Your bed? You hear that Molly? Some people I swear... It's over. You've made it. A> I'm glad to be back with you two but... There's no but! A> That means going back to work, having to do all of those tedious things... Only when you're ready, just enjoy your forced vacations for now. A> Thank you. A> Look at her. You've got two whole humans in your bed Molly? How does that happen? A> Blows her little mind. Hello there. A> Carla, come in! How are you feeling? A> Good. Results are good, doctors are happy. A> Look who's coming over... Why is she wearing a cap? That looks ridiculous. A> Rebellious teenager, all that... You look like a little thug. Are you going to shake me down for fish? Fine, don't spend it all in one place. A> Wouldn't be any happier if she had caught it herself. How's your own fishing going? A> As you can see, it's still just the two of us... Why is that? You're pretty, and still young! A> Appreciate the "still". A> Don't bite my neck, that doesn't work on me. See, that's your issue, gotta train that moaning... A> It's not easy being single with cavernensis. Don't blame it on the little one! Just tell the guy you've got a big fluffy dog at home. A> Right. Sis... you're afraid of dating aren't you? A> One day I asked dad why he married our mother. See... A> He told me knowing people is hard and lying is easy. A> At the time it simply seemed like they were a good fit and we know how it ended... It ended with us! The divorce is not the result, we are! You're still stuck in the past Alice, our parents had their time. You're my sister, I love you, whatever you choose to do... I just want you to be happy. A> Is being alive not enough? It's fine. A> Hey! Give me a moan. A> Stop biting me, you're dumb... You won't find a mate to share your cave with... A> I never thought Molly would have such an influence on you. ...a great hunter who brings you the freshest bats. A> Gross. A> Do you remember Frank? Frank? Can't say I do... is he Albert Einstein's brother? A> That's the worst joke I've heard in years... You're welcome. A> He was a friend of our father, came by every so often. Oh, I remember now! Wasn't he extremely tall? Or maybe I was just small at the time. A> He was, two meters and change. Damn... Yes, everything looked too small for him. The living-room seemed to shrink when he walked in... A> His wife was tall as well. They had children around our age. A> After dad died they tried to adopt us but the family opposed it. I didn't know that... A> That's how things would have turned out if dad had written a will. A> I saw Frank on a few occasions after we moved out, he gave us money when times were tough... You never told me. A> No, I didn't. How much? I'll pay it back. A> Don't bother, he never accepted it from me. He would tell me to buy you ice cream instead. Did you? A> You were almost in your twenties by that point. That's not a reason! People don't age out of ice cream! A> Anyway, I met his son recently. Oh. Is he tall as well? A> Yes. That's good, he will grab small land invertebrates where they're hardest to reach. A> Hey, I never said I wanted to... You're cute when you blush. A> Carla. Would you accept to take Molly for a few days? A> I don't want to freak him out right away, and, you know, intimacy... Perverts. A> I would totally understand if you refused... Of course I'll keep the little one. I too feel alone in my big bed. A> Thank you. It won't be long I promise, just the time we find a good compromise. Don't sweat it, you've got years of fun to catch up on. A> That's one way to put it. A> Can't say it's a situation I had ever envisioned when I got Molly. Don't worry. Hurry up and live. 1> A story by Maliface. 2> Thank you for reading. 1>
Written for the Neo Interactives' Dialogue Jam... 2> ...but not published in time.