“All right everyone, please find yourself a spot and pay attention for the next 5 minutes. I won't be long. All of you have received the script and know their part? Yes? Good. Today we're not going to film, but to get ready. First, one last check with our dear therapists to make sure everything is alright. Then, costume testing. If any of you need adjustments please come to me ASAP. You will have to get used to wearing makeup, as well, and to have it done by someone else. If you're not comfortable with that, please say so.”

I was not comfortable with that, and I had said so, but Abby felt that it was best to have a professional for our makeup as well as for everything else. I would do it myself, though. I don't want a stranger with a pointy thing anywhere near my eyes. But we had a makeup artist among us for those who didn’t have a problem with that, and she was very good at her job.

“You are encouraged to look around and get accustomed to the place and the set, but don't go too far. You are all too precious for us, we don't want to lose you in the forest! We will gather again for lunch, in full attire, and practice for the first scene in the afternoon. In the meantime try to enjoy yourselves!”

Damn I’m so bad at this. Reassuring people and putting them in a good and relaxed mood. How do you do that when you are so scared yourself?

Oh no. Second thoughts. Really, brain? You want to do that now? When there is absolutely no possibility of going back? This is the moment you chose to show me every single thing that can go wrong, and not even one scenario where we have a chance of succeeding? Brain, you're fired. I don't want to work with you anymore.

My work wasn’t done yet though, I had to meet with the sound technicians, the cameramen, the special effects team, our vet assistant for advice about the rats, and the American team-leader who had the same role as mine. Except he had chosen to do that, while I had been dragged into it by my two worst/best friends.

All right, I admit, I had let them drag me into it. And more than that, I found this adventure rather exciting after all. Sure, it had been hard and will get even harder, but it's not everyday that you get to do something so big, right?

Time to go greet the American team-leader and check if everything is okay on their side. I really hope it is…

“Hey Gary! How is everything going?” Not fine, apparently. They had a last-minute desertion of one actress who had to stay in the US to look after her brother who had fallen sick and was currently hospitalized.

“I’m sorry M., but we won’t be able to film without her. She was supposed to play the main character…” Oh damn. Of course it had to be the main character. Quick, M., think, use that brain of yours that you fired just moments ago. You need a solution, and you need it now. And you know exactly what to do, don’t you?

“Oh well, my accent isn’t perfect and my acting might not be as good as hers, but… If we don’t find another girl to do it by noon, I’ll take the part…”

**************************

Author: Hey guys! We're finally digging into the deep!

So, 2 things. First, go check the satire that Scott Zaboem made of this episode, it's absolutely delicious! (link in author's notes)

Second, to celebrate the birthday of Karen, who inspired the character of Abby, I'm holding a contest! Send me rats in dresses! Pictures, drawings, writings, anything goes! There will be prizes and all :D

Her birthday is on the 24th (there will be a very special episode in her memory), the deadline is August 14th!

The winners get a free, signed copy of my first published book A Demon named Mike, along with a bookmark and A5 print of your choosing!

Good luck, and thank you for your support, patience, and kindness