Still, dark, and lifeless, as it always was. The world was their coffin, a shadowed tomb, and coffins don't move or allow light to enter. Neither figure made a sound even as their minds spoke into the void, one coolly indifferent, the other clearly irritated.
What do you mean?
Why did you do it?
Do what?
Let them out.
...
Tell me.
Because they asked me to.
But why did you do it?
They said they would come back. They said they would help.
They lied. It's been a week. Do you really think they'll keep their word?
Yes.
...
Maybe...
...
...I trust them.
You have no reason to.
They had no reason to trust me either.
So they didn't!
They did. Enough to use the crowbar, anyway.
...
I don't want to be stuck here. Maybe you do, but I don't.
I never said-
Then why don't you ever ask them for help?
You-
Listen.
...
Every time you or I find someone who can come here, who can see and hear and feel us... you kill him.
That's because...!
Because what?
BECAUSE THEY DESERVE IT!
A cot went flying, narrowly missing the defiantly crouched man as he rolled to avoid it. It crashed into the wall, shattering the silence and leaving an echoing ring in the air.
You can't hurt me like that.
I wasn't trying to!
...
I wasn't...
I believe you. It comes naturally to you like it does to me. You just have to control it.
I can't 'control it.'
Only because you never try. Do you want to be trapped here forever? With them?
Don't... bring them into this.
Why not? They're as much a part of this place as either of us. It was made by them for us.
They're gone. They have to be.
The first few, yes... All except one... but what about all the others? The ones you brought here? If you'd only let them go-
I can't! I... I need them. We need them. You're ruining everything!
Am I? It seems to me like we've been 'ruining' things for decades. Maybe it's about time we did something different, something good.
And what would that be?
Help them.
No.
Why are you so adamant about this?
Because it won't make a difference. That boy... He's different from all the others. I could use him, I'm sure of it! I can't do that if he leaves and never comes back.
Well, he will come back- the girl too- and when they do, I'm going to help them with or without you.
I won't let you.
You don't control me, Seth.
Don't call me that.
I'm leaving. Go stomp around. Throw a tantrum. I don't care.
He barely felt the air move as the smaller of them shot past him, disappearing down the hallway.
Where are you going?!
...
Come back!
...
KASPER!
He called again, but he sensed no answer. First, he stood like a statue, frozen in shock. Then he let out an infuriated roar and kicked the nearest desk to the floor.
Somewhere, someone laughed, childlike, giddy, and full of glee.
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