Small town - big secrets. You get the gist.
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Realistic or Modern The Murders of Elden Hollows
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c0fi
Your average coffee enthusiast
{Luca Thornby}
2nd September 2019
5:24pm
Most days, Luca found solace in repeating a process. Counting syrups, ensuring all types of tea stock were replenished, and the takeaway cups were stocked up. He was on closing again, after pestering Marcello for overtime. Luca had been at the coffee shop since 6am to help open the establishment at 7am. The time was now nearing 5:30pm, but the closing shift lasted until 6pm, and this was how most days went – him opening the shop, then suggesting he helps close too. One of his co-baristas, Marissa, never protested since she was content with having less work to do. He even arranged to take one of Marissa’s shifts each week, losing the blessing of having a day off to himself. The blonde was open to his idea since she wanted more time to spend with family and friends. Although working 12-hour shifts on weekdays and 8-hour shifts on weekends seemed superfluous, Luca believed it was necessary for his plan.
The young man was making $3550.21 a month, and with tips, it bumped him up to $3983.54. Luca had been eyeing Your Second Cup when he quit his bakery assistant position at Get Caked. He remembers it like it was yesterday. Earlier this year, on June 1st, he realised he required more savings in order to live comfortably while studying at Cornell for 5 years. Everyone was well-acquainted with how the coffee shop was in demand. People often lined up outside for their morning fill before the ‘We’re OPEN!’ sign could be flipped over. Besides the tips, the work culture contributed to Luca’s love for the job. It was a pleasure to work beside such good-natured people who made the shifts enjoyable to the point where he wondered where the 12 hours went. His colleagues and boss were extremely supportive of his goals. So far, he had saved $30,066.80 over the past 2 years through his part-time positions as a cashier at the grocery store, a bakery assistant at Get Caked, his 10-week summer internship at an architecture firm in Montpelier, and his current role as a full-time barista. Luca’s initial goal was to save $30,000 before entering college in early August next year. This was accomplished recently, and he set a new goal for himself: $60,000.
Isaac and Layanne, his parents, understood that the underlying intention behind his independence was to lessen the financial burden on them. Although Luca offered to pay rent and bills while living at home for his gap year, his parents opposed this arrangement. They urged him to save every cent of what he earned. Realising his loved ones believed in him only pushed Luca harder. He quit his gym membership and stuck to running and functional exercises; he hardly ate out unless it was a very special occasion, and he took advantage of coupon codes and discounts. Less than 11 months remained before he would temporarily relocate to New York, and he was increasingly aware of how expensive living there would be. Despite being eligible for the no-loan scheme and having his tuition, mandatory fees, housing and meal plans financially covered by the university, Luca wanted to ensure he could survive in a different state without bothering his parents.
As the heavy rain pattered on the window panes, Luca reminded himself why he was doing all of this work. During or after college, he planned to complete his Architectural Experience Programme and accumulate 3740 hours of experience. Half of the hours were required to be completed in a firm while the other half in a different environment outside of the firm setting. Thankfully, Luca’s Summer internship helped him gain 400 hours of experience, which was approved. More recently, his dad promised he’d propose to his employer, Reginald Carrington, to permit Luca to work evenings at one of the developments they were working on. If Reginald wasn’t willing to pay, Luca was content with volunteering to gain the experience. Following the completion of his degree and AXP, he intended to study and pass the ARE, which was a 6-part exam, while simultaneously undertaking a 3-year internship that would help him become a licensed architect in Vermont. So far, everything seemed to be going according to plan.
“Twelve vanilla… and,” Luca paused to briefly count the bottles of coffee syrup, “Ten white chocolate.” He set down the inventory book on the nearby shelving unit to signal he was done with the stock check. The barista then turned to his boss, who was leaning back on an office chair, watching a YouTube vlog on his smartphone. “Ya done already?” Marchie asked, briefly looking up before he paused his video to address Luca properly. “Well, kid, I gotta say- there’s nothing left for you to do. You get to leave a half hour early.” Luca smiled, already taking off his chestnut bib apron and folding it up neatly. “Cool, I’m gonna head out and see if I can grab some milk.” He announced, already putting on his jacket and grabbing his backpack. The last few drops of the semi-skimmed milk were used for his dad’s morning coffee and Luca offered to get some more after his shift. “It’s raining out,” The Italian man warned, “You bring an umbrella?” The aspiring architect shook his head but still wore a half-smile, “Nah, but it’s just a little rain. Won’t do any harm.” His employer gave him a wry smile as he bid him farewell.
The rain splashed against the pavement as Luca exited the dim coffee shop, and pulling his jacket over his head, he ventured towards Elden Superstore, which was situated nearby. He tried to avoid the huge puddles he found on his way, but his makeshift hood and the heavy droplets obstructed his view, so water eventually seeped into the mesh material of his trainers. It was uncomfortable and cold, reminding Luca that he needed a hot shower once he returned home. Gliding past the automatic doors, he was greeted by a blend of scents. Fresh produce, spices and paper. Waving at the cashiers he used to work with during his senior year of high school, the warm-toned man opened the fridge door and pulled out a gallon of milk. The cashier, Derek, made some small talk with him as they briefly caught up and completed the transaction. Once the milk was bagged, Derek pointed out how Luca’s hair was dripping wet, despite his attempt at shielding himself. “Watch it, you’ll catch a cold.” To which the man dismissed him with a wave of his hand, “Don’t worry about me. Alright, I’m set, see you around.” And with that, he proceeded to enter the rain once more, pulling his outerwear tighter, although it offered little protection from the downpour.
Walking in the direction he originally came from, he spotted his workplace. It remained dimly lit, which was strange as it should be pitch black by now since the stock check was done. The rain had created multiple thin streaks down the glass, raindrops racing eachother down the panes and blurring Luca’s view inside. As he neared, his breathing was slightly uneven from the sharp cold and rain. Peering in, he witnessed Marchie behind the counter with the electric milk frother in one hand and a takeaway cup in the other. ‘Coffee at this time?’ He grinned, waving enthusiastically at his employer. The rain made it difficult to see, but it looked like Marchie didn’t notice him. Suddenly, Luca shivered from his wet jacket grazing his nape. ‘Yeah. No. I need that shower.’ He told himself, before resuming his journey. Marchie would be there tomorrow when he opened the shop, so Luca could tease him about his caffeine habits when they reunited in the morning. Nevertheless, he found it strange that Marchie Franke of all people was having coffee past 6pm. He usually lectured his employees about the importance of sleep and how late-night coffee disturbed their sleep patterns.
Once entering the Thornby residence, his trainers were thrown into the washing machine, the milk was placed in their fridge, and Luca slipped into the shower. After 20 minutes, he wrapped a towel around his lower abdomen and dried his curls with another. Shortly after changing into a white tee and grey sweatpants, Luca entered his bedroom and began getting ready for his evening routine of journalling, adding details to his sketches and preparing for the following day. He unzipped his waterproof backpack and looked inside. His sketchbook. His hands searched for it among the rest of the contents in the bag. Nothing. “Damn it.” He groaned as he sat back in his bed. “Must have left it back at work.” He already knew where it was: nestled in one of the open cabinets behind the counter. He usually pulled it out on his breaks since the shop was never slow enough to sit down and actually work on details. ‘It’s fine. I’ll get it tomorrow. The world’s not going to end.’ He told himself as he flipped through the pages of his journal, catching glimpses of his previous entries, ‘Nobody’s going to die.’ Luca treasured his sketchbook, each page containing a different concept and annotated with commentary. However, he was open to adjusting his routine tonight since the situation couldn’t be helped. He watched some model-building techniques on YouTube before bed to compensate. Soon, sleep consumed him as the video went on to talk about parametric design.
3rd September 2019
5:45am
A yawn escaped the olive-skinned man as he took his usual route to work. The shop opened at 7am, so the opening shift started in about 15 minutes. Luca was always punctual, and this habit was maintained in every area of his life. Attending job interviews, meeting friends and going to parties – whatever the agreed time was, Luca was at least 10 minutes early. Drawing closer to Your Second Cup, he heard a sudden shriek. He froze. His mind assured him that the most unnerving thing that could happen at this time was Marissa or Jarvis, another barista, breaking a cup. On the other hand, his instincts were telling him something was wrong. Without missing another beat, Luca urgently leapt into the shop and found a horrifying scene upon his entry.
The blonde woman was wide-eyed, shock evident on her face and stood on the right of Marchie. The owner himself was slouched, his eyes focused on the counter and unblinking, his pale fingers curling around the milk frother and takeaway cup. “Call 911.” Marissa cried out. A bitter taste rose up Luca’s throat as he noticed his colleague’s eyes were fixated on Marchie’s back, instead of his unmoving face. There was a crimson colour staining his shirt collar. “Marissa, is he-” Before he could finish off his question, the young woman screeched at him with demands that he needed to call the police immediately. Without any further questions, he pulled out his smartphone with shaking hands and dialled 911. Luca was unable to avert his gaze from Marchie’s figure as he spoke, providing details of the situation and the address to the operator. “Ok, the police have been dispatched and will reach you shortly. Luca, I need you to focus. When was the last time you saw Marcello?” The operator asked. He knew she was trying to calm him down by keeping him talking, but instead, a wave of realisation hit Luca as his eyes studied his deceased boss. The pose. The props. Even the dim lighting of the coffee shop. It was too familiar. Too unchanged.
“I saw him like this last night.”
Once the police arrived, Luca was pulled to the stock room, separated from Marissa to answer some routine questions and explain his earlier comment on the phone to officers Layton and Cross. The police cars parked outside the shop gathered a lot of attention from the locals, who watched through the glass, barely kept at bay by the sea of police officers who formed a barrier around the crime scene. A white sheet was draped over Marchie, and he was transported into the back of the coroner’s vehicle. “We know you, kid. It’s just routine,” Officer Layton assured him as his partner scribbled down some notes. “We’ve got officers at the Superstore, speaking to Derek, and we’re pulling the footage from the street across too.” Luca nodded cooperatively. “Ok, Luca. Do you know anything about what happened here?” Officer Cross asked him. Shaking his head, he exhaled a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in. “I wish I had said something different on the phone. That’s not what I meant. I- I saw him when I was walking back from the store. It was raining, I didn’t see his face. But he was sitting like how I found him this morning.” He explained.
The officers exchanged glances before allowing him to continue, “I didn’t see anything. I didn’t think it was weird at first. He was just making coffee. But he never makes coffee at that time, it’s unlike him.” The young man rambled as he sat down in the office chair that he had last seen Marcello in. Then, another officer grabbed Cross’ attention and lured her out with an update. Luca heard a few mumbles before she returned, offering a sympathetic smile. “You’re cleared. Derek confirmed seeing you, and the security footage places you there. Marissa also vouched for your character. Our officers checked the footage from across the road and saw you leaving, coming back later and waving - just like you told us.” Luca blinked. While he was slightly bothered at being treated as a suspect, he managed to understand their perspective. He knew how suspicious that one-liner seemed on the phone. “And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t have been able to do that to Marchie.” Layton added. Luca’s expression held confusion, “That?” He repeated. “What happened to Marchie? Marissa didn’t let me see.” He enquired quietly.
The partners looked at one another before informing Luca that Marcello’s back had been cut open, almost shredded.
reiibread
Sonderlandt
Sleepy Sleuth
2nd September 2019
5:24pm
Most days, Luca found solace in repeating a process. Counting syrups, ensuring all types of tea stock were replenished, and the takeaway cups were stocked up. He was on closing again, after pestering Marcello for overtime. Luca had been at the coffee shop since 6am to help open the establishment at 7am. The time was now nearing 5:30pm, but the closing shift lasted until 6pm, and this was how most days went – him opening the shop, then suggesting he helps close too. One of his co-baristas, Marissa, never protested since she was content with having less work to do. He even arranged to take one of Marissa’s shifts each week, losing the blessing of having a day off to himself. The blonde was open to his idea since she wanted more time to spend with family and friends. Although working 12-hour shifts on weekdays and 8-hour shifts on weekends seemed superfluous, Luca believed it was necessary for his plan.
The young man was making $3550.21 a month, and with tips, it bumped him up to $3983.54. Luca had been eyeing Your Second Cup when he quit his bakery assistant position at Get Caked. He remembers it like it was yesterday. Earlier this year, on June 1st, he realised he required more savings in order to live comfortably while studying at Cornell for 5 years. Everyone was well-acquainted with how the coffee shop was in demand. People often lined up outside for their morning fill before the ‘We’re OPEN!’ sign could be flipped over. Besides the tips, the work culture contributed to Luca’s love for the job. It was a pleasure to work beside such good-natured people who made the shifts enjoyable to the point where he wondered where the 12 hours went. His colleagues and boss were extremely supportive of his goals. So far, he had saved $30,066.80 over the past 2 years through his part-time positions as a cashier at the grocery store, a bakery assistant at Get Caked, his 10-week summer internship at an architecture firm in Montpelier, and his current role as a full-time barista. Luca’s initial goal was to save $30,000 before entering college in early August next year. This was accomplished recently, and he set a new goal for himself: $60,000.
Isaac and Layanne, his parents, understood that the underlying intention behind his independence was to lessen the financial burden on them. Although Luca offered to pay rent and bills while living at home for his gap year, his parents opposed this arrangement. They urged him to save every cent of what he earned. Realising his loved ones believed in him only pushed Luca harder. He quit his gym membership and stuck to running and functional exercises; he hardly ate out unless it was a very special occasion, and he took advantage of coupon codes and discounts. Less than 11 months remained before he would temporarily relocate to New York, and he was increasingly aware of how expensive living there would be. Despite being eligible for the no-loan scheme and having his tuition, mandatory fees, housing and meal plans financially covered by the university, Luca wanted to ensure he could survive in a different state without bothering his parents.
As the heavy rain pattered on the window panes, Luca reminded himself why he was doing all of this work. During or after college, he planned to complete his Architectural Experience Programme and accumulate 3740 hours of experience. Half of the hours were required to be completed in a firm while the other half in a different environment outside of the firm setting. Thankfully, Luca’s Summer internship helped him gain 400 hours of experience, which was approved. More recently, his dad promised he’d propose to his employer, Reginald Carrington, to permit Luca to work evenings at one of the developments they were working on. If Reginald wasn’t willing to pay, Luca was content with volunteering to gain the experience. Following the completion of his degree and AXP, he intended to study and pass the ARE, which was a 6-part exam, while simultaneously undertaking a 3-year internship that would help him become a licensed architect in Vermont. So far, everything seemed to be going according to plan.
“Twelve vanilla… and,” Luca paused to briefly count the bottles of coffee syrup, “Ten white chocolate.” He set down the inventory book on the nearby shelving unit to signal he was done with the stock check. The barista then turned to his boss, who was leaning back on an office chair, watching a YouTube vlog on his smartphone. “Ya done already?” Marchie asked, briefly looking up before he paused his video to address Luca properly. “Well, kid, I gotta say- there’s nothing left for you to do. You get to leave a half hour early.” Luca smiled, already taking off his chestnut bib apron and folding it up neatly. “Cool, I’m gonna head out and see if I can grab some milk.” He announced, already putting on his jacket and grabbing his backpack. The last few drops of the semi-skimmed milk were used for his dad’s morning coffee and Luca offered to get some more after his shift. “It’s raining out,” The Italian man warned, “You bring an umbrella?” The aspiring architect shook his head but still wore a half-smile, “Nah, but it’s just a little rain. Won’t do any harm.” His employer gave him a wry smile as he bid him farewell.
The rain splashed against the pavement as Luca exited the dim coffee shop, and pulling his jacket over his head, he ventured towards Elden Superstore, which was situated nearby. He tried to avoid the huge puddles he found on his way, but his makeshift hood and the heavy droplets obstructed his view, so water eventually seeped into the mesh material of his trainers. It was uncomfortable and cold, reminding Luca that he needed a hot shower once he returned home. Gliding past the automatic doors, he was greeted by a blend of scents. Fresh produce, spices and paper. Waving at the cashiers he used to work with during his senior year of high school, the warm-toned man opened the fridge door and pulled out a gallon of milk. The cashier, Derek, made some small talk with him as they briefly caught up and completed the transaction. Once the milk was bagged, Derek pointed out how Luca’s hair was dripping wet, despite his attempt at shielding himself. “Watch it, you’ll catch a cold.” To which the man dismissed him with a wave of his hand, “Don’t worry about me. Alright, I’m set, see you around.” And with that, he proceeded to enter the rain once more, pulling his outerwear tighter, although it offered little protection from the downpour.
Walking in the direction he originally came from, he spotted his workplace. It remained dimly lit, which was strange as it should be pitch black by now since the stock check was done. The rain had created multiple thin streaks down the glass, raindrops racing eachother down the panes and blurring Luca’s view inside. As he neared, his breathing was slightly uneven from the sharp cold and rain. Peering in, he witnessed Marchie behind the counter with the electric milk frother in one hand and a takeaway cup in the other. ‘Coffee at this time?’ He grinned, waving enthusiastically at his employer. The rain made it difficult to see, but it looked like Marchie didn’t notice him. Suddenly, Luca shivered from his wet jacket grazing his nape. ‘Yeah. No. I need that shower.’ He told himself, before resuming his journey. Marchie would be there tomorrow when he opened the shop, so Luca could tease him about his caffeine habits when they reunited in the morning. Nevertheless, he found it strange that Marchie Franke of all people was having coffee past 6pm. He usually lectured his employees about the importance of sleep and how late-night coffee disturbed their sleep patterns.
Once entering the Thornby residence, his trainers were thrown into the washing machine, the milk was placed in their fridge, and Luca slipped into the shower. After 20 minutes, he wrapped a towel around his lower abdomen and dried his curls with another. Shortly after changing into a white tee and grey sweatpants, Luca entered his bedroom and began getting ready for his evening routine of journalling, adding details to his sketches and preparing for the following day. He unzipped his waterproof backpack and looked inside. His sketchbook. His hands searched for it among the rest of the contents in the bag. Nothing. “Damn it.” He groaned as he sat back in his bed. “Must have left it back at work.” He already knew where it was: nestled in one of the open cabinets behind the counter. He usually pulled it out on his breaks since the shop was never slow enough to sit down and actually work on details. ‘It’s fine. I’ll get it tomorrow. The world’s not going to end.’ He told himself as he flipped through the pages of his journal, catching glimpses of his previous entries, ‘Nobody’s going to die.’ Luca treasured his sketchbook, each page containing a different concept and annotated with commentary. However, he was open to adjusting his routine tonight since the situation couldn’t be helped. He watched some model-building techniques on YouTube before bed to compensate. Soon, sleep consumed him as the video went on to talk about parametric design.
3rd September 2019
5:45am
A yawn escaped the olive-skinned man as he took his usual route to work. The shop opened at 7am, so the opening shift started in about 15 minutes. Luca was always punctual, and this habit was maintained in every area of his life. Attending job interviews, meeting friends and going to parties – whatever the agreed time was, Luca was at least 10 minutes early. Drawing closer to Your Second Cup, he heard a sudden shriek. He froze. His mind assured him that the most unnerving thing that could happen at this time was Marissa or Jarvis, another barista, breaking a cup. On the other hand, his instincts were telling him something was wrong. Without missing another beat, Luca urgently leapt into the shop and found a horrifying scene upon his entry.
The blonde woman was wide-eyed, shock evident on her face and stood on the right of Marchie. The owner himself was slouched, his eyes focused on the counter and unblinking, his pale fingers curling around the milk frother and takeaway cup. “Call 911.” Marissa cried out. A bitter taste rose up Luca’s throat as he noticed his colleague’s eyes were fixated on Marchie’s back, instead of his unmoving face. There was a crimson colour staining his shirt collar. “Marissa, is he-” Before he could finish off his question, the young woman screeched at him with demands that he needed to call the police immediately. Without any further questions, he pulled out his smartphone with shaking hands and dialled 911. Luca was unable to avert his gaze from Marchie’s figure as he spoke, providing details of the situation and the address to the operator. “Ok, the police have been dispatched and will reach you shortly. Luca, I need you to focus. When was the last time you saw Marcello?” The operator asked. He knew she was trying to calm him down by keeping him talking, but instead, a wave of realisation hit Luca as his eyes studied his deceased boss. The pose. The props. Even the dim lighting of the coffee shop. It was too familiar. Too unchanged.
“I saw him like this last night.”
Once the police arrived, Luca was pulled to the stock room, separated from Marissa to answer some routine questions and explain his earlier comment on the phone to officers Layton and Cross. The police cars parked outside the shop gathered a lot of attention from the locals, who watched through the glass, barely kept at bay by the sea of police officers who formed a barrier around the crime scene. A white sheet was draped over Marchie, and he was transported into the back of the coroner’s vehicle. “We know you, kid. It’s just routine,” Officer Layton assured him as his partner scribbled down some notes. “We’ve got officers at the Superstore, speaking to Derek, and we’re pulling the footage from the street across too.” Luca nodded cooperatively. “Ok, Luca. Do you know anything about what happened here?” Officer Cross asked him. Shaking his head, he exhaled a breath he didn’t even know he was holding in. “I wish I had said something different on the phone. That’s not what I meant. I- I saw him when I was walking back from the store. It was raining, I didn’t see his face. But he was sitting like how I found him this morning.” He explained.
The officers exchanged glances before allowing him to continue, “I didn’t see anything. I didn’t think it was weird at first. He was just making coffee. But he never makes coffee at that time, it’s unlike him.” The young man rambled as he sat down in the office chair that he had last seen Marcello in. Then, another officer grabbed Cross’ attention and lured her out with an update. Luca heard a few mumbles before she returned, offering a sympathetic smile. “You’re cleared. Derek confirmed seeing you, and the security footage places you there. Marissa also vouched for your character. Our officers checked the footage from across the road and saw you leaving, coming back later and waving - just like you told us.” Luca blinked. While he was slightly bothered at being treated as a suspect, he managed to understand their perspective. He knew how suspicious that one-liner seemed on the phone. “And let’s be honest, you wouldn’t have been able to do that to Marchie.” Layton added. Luca’s expression held confusion, “That?” He repeated. “What happened to Marchie? Marissa didn’t let me see.” He enquired quietly.
The partners looked at one another before informing Luca that Marcello’s back had been cut open, almost shredded.
reiibread
Sonderlandt
Sleepy Sleuth
Last edited:
Sleepy Sleuth
Tired Detective
Carolina Browne
03 Sept.
0600
It was another day, just like any other. Get up, feed the horses, milk the cows, take a shower, have breakfast with Mom, wait for Dad to finish loading the pickup truck with containers of fresh cream. Carolina enjoyed the routine. It was steady and dependable, just the way she liked things.
Carolina yawned and stretched her arms above her head as she leaned back in the creaking wooden kitchen chair. Her mother had already disappeared back into the kitchen to make another omelet. The faint smell of green onions and cigarette smoke hung lightly in the air. The thud of heavy boots announced her father's return to the cozy farmhouse. He sat down at the table with Carolina and put a pinch of salt into his cup of black coffee, an old habit he had picked up in the Navy.
"All set?" he asked.
"Yessir," she answered with a smile. "I'd better be going. Those tourists will have a fit without fresh cream in their coffee."
"Luca must be working this morning. You only wear makeup when-"
"Bye, Papa!"
Carolina got up from the table and hurried out of the farmhouse before her father could embarrass her further. She wished that she was not so easy for him to read. She was a terrible liar on the best of days, but her father had always been able to guess what she was thinking. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she was a lot closer with him than she was with her mother.
She got in the battered old white pickup, fished the keys out of the cupholder, and started down the dirt road toward town. Other than her uncle, her whole family lived out on the dairy farm. Her older brother was out of town studying at college, but she was certain he could come back. Wouldn't he? She shook her head free of such gloomy thoughts and focused on the drive. It was a route she had taken daily for three years now. She could have driven it blindfolded just by the feel of the bumps in the road. It eventually connected to proper asphalt when she got closer to town.
When she got to the coffee shop, she realized something was horribly wrong. Townsfolk and tourists alike were gawking at the shop. Police had erected a barricade to ward off the crowd. Still operating on muscle memory, Carolina brought her pickup to a stop right by the loading doors at the back. She hopped out and almost made it inside before a pair of cops pulled her away.
"Luca!" she shouted as loud as she could.
03 Sept.
0600
It was another day, just like any other. Get up, feed the horses, milk the cows, take a shower, have breakfast with Mom, wait for Dad to finish loading the pickup truck with containers of fresh cream. Carolina enjoyed the routine. It was steady and dependable, just the way she liked things.
Carolina yawned and stretched her arms above her head as she leaned back in the creaking wooden kitchen chair. Her mother had already disappeared back into the kitchen to make another omelet. The faint smell of green onions and cigarette smoke hung lightly in the air. The thud of heavy boots announced her father's return to the cozy farmhouse. He sat down at the table with Carolina and put a pinch of salt into his cup of black coffee, an old habit he had picked up in the Navy.
"All set?" he asked.
"Yessir," she answered with a smile. "I'd better be going. Those tourists will have a fit without fresh cream in their coffee."
"Luca must be working this morning. You only wear makeup when-"
"Bye, Papa!"
Carolina got up from the table and hurried out of the farmhouse before her father could embarrass her further. She wished that she was not so easy for him to read. She was a terrible liar on the best of days, but her father had always been able to guess what she was thinking. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she was a lot closer with him than she was with her mother.
She got in the battered old white pickup, fished the keys out of the cupholder, and started down the dirt road toward town. Other than her uncle, her whole family lived out on the dairy farm. Her older brother was out of town studying at college, but she was certain he could come back. Wouldn't he? She shook her head free of such gloomy thoughts and focused on the drive. It was a route she had taken daily for three years now. She could have driven it blindfolded just by the feel of the bumps in the road. It eventually connected to proper asphalt when she got closer to town.
When she got to the coffee shop, she realized something was horribly wrong. Townsfolk and tourists alike were gawking at the shop. Police had erected a barricade to ward off the crowd. Still operating on muscle memory, Carolina brought her pickup to a stop right by the loading doors at the back. She hopped out and almost made it inside before a pair of cops pulled her away.
"Luca!" she shouted as loud as she could.
c0fi
Your average coffee enthusiast
{Luca Thornby}
'Two hundred and seven napkin sleeves,' Luca counted, ignoring Officer Cross and her futile attempt at informing him of the next steps. The way she hesitated and filled her sentences in with several 'erms' and 'ums' told him she was still shaken by the scene, despite being the one who was wearing the police badge. But how could she not be? The woman then advised him to visit the local clinic or hospital to help him manage shock, to which Luca swallowed at the suggestion. Around this time, Marchie would usually have light music playing through the speakers of the shop floor. It would be loud enough to fill the silence, but quiet enough so customers could comfortably converse with one another. He was always so thoughtful in that sense. A cough escaped Officer Cross, who probably suspected her words were entering Luca's ears and leaving out the other end. "We're going to need you and Marissa to come down to the station in the next few days. It's just standard procedure since-"
"I know," Luca interrupted bluntly, finally looking up at the officer. "Marissa and I found him. And I was probably one of the last people to have seen him." He said plainly. His mind briefly flicked back to last night, thinking about how he eagerly waved at Marcello through the shop glass, blissfully unaware of how his boss was bleeding out from behind the counter. 'This can't be happening.' How could it be? Between the time that Luca left Your Second Cup, and the time that he last saw Marchie, there was a window of less than half an hour. He couldn't help but think of what could have happened if he had stayed for the entire shift. Would Marchie still be alive? Would Luca have joined him? What if Luca had passed the coffee shop earlier than he did while on his way home? Would that have made a difference? 'Maybe I could have at least seen something helpful.' Luca's guilt plagued his train of thought, which was eventually broken by his iPhone vibrating in his jacket pocket.
After taking his phone out and reading 'Spawn Point' on the screen, a sigh escaped his lips. "Sorry, I need to take this. It's my mom." He excused himself, walking out of the stock room to the shop floor where the other officers and Marissa were. His colleague's face was tear-stained as she spoke to Officer Layton, while officers equipped with gloves took pictures and examined the scene. Luca accepted the call and before pressing the phone to his ear, he could hear his mother's distress on the other end. "Luca! Oh, thank God. Lucinda from across the road just came over and told me that Phil went to Your Second Cup just now, and the police were there. Is Marchie-" Her voice trailed off, as if she couldn't bring herself to say it because once spoken aloud, the finality of the situation couldn't be withdrawn. "Are you ok, honey?" Luca reassured his mother for the next five minutes that he was physically fine, but understandably rattled by this morning's events. "Ok, mom, I'm gonna go. I'll be home soon, ok? I just need to do some things, like go to the hospital and see what else the police need." He advised before he hung up, making sure to shoot a quick 'I love you' to ease his mother.
Darting his eyes around the room, he swore his senses were heightened for a minute. Everything seemed too much, too overwhelming. The smell of bleach mixed with blood made him feel sick, and his ears picked up on the background noise consisting of the shop's usual customers and passersby. Luca needed to sit down somewhere. Maybe outside? No, he would be ambushed by questions from the locals. 'No. I need to help out. I need to do something.' He decided, retreating to the stock room so he could speak to Officer Cross. He was mid-step before he heard a familiar voice coming from the rear of the building. His heart clenched as he heard the yell, recounting the shriek that Marissa let out earlier as she found Marchie. He felt like he was moving underwater as he reached the back entrance and realised Carolina was being denied entry. "It's fine." He addressed the officers flatly, "She was just checking I'm ok. We'll be around here if you need anything." He informed them of their whereabouts before leading Carolina towards the nearby benches, situated across from the back of the shop.
Luca sighed deeply after taking a seat. He didn't know what to say. Nothing could explain what he was feeling in that moment. "Marchie's dead." Is what he settled with. "And he's been dead since last evening."
'Two hundred and seven napkin sleeves,' Luca counted, ignoring Officer Cross and her futile attempt at informing him of the next steps. The way she hesitated and filled her sentences in with several 'erms' and 'ums' told him she was still shaken by the scene, despite being the one who was wearing the police badge. But how could she not be? The woman then advised him to visit the local clinic or hospital to help him manage shock, to which Luca swallowed at the suggestion. Around this time, Marchie would usually have light music playing through the speakers of the shop floor. It would be loud enough to fill the silence, but quiet enough so customers could comfortably converse with one another. He was always so thoughtful in that sense. A cough escaped Officer Cross, who probably suspected her words were entering Luca's ears and leaving out the other end. "We're going to need you and Marissa to come down to the station in the next few days. It's just standard procedure since-"
"I know," Luca interrupted bluntly, finally looking up at the officer. "Marissa and I found him. And I was probably one of the last people to have seen him." He said plainly. His mind briefly flicked back to last night, thinking about how he eagerly waved at Marcello through the shop glass, blissfully unaware of how his boss was bleeding out from behind the counter. 'This can't be happening.' How could it be? Between the time that Luca left Your Second Cup, and the time that he last saw Marchie, there was a window of less than half an hour. He couldn't help but think of what could have happened if he had stayed for the entire shift. Would Marchie still be alive? Would Luca have joined him? What if Luca had passed the coffee shop earlier than he did while on his way home? Would that have made a difference? 'Maybe I could have at least seen something helpful.' Luca's guilt plagued his train of thought, which was eventually broken by his iPhone vibrating in his jacket pocket.
After taking his phone out and reading 'Spawn Point' on the screen, a sigh escaped his lips. "Sorry, I need to take this. It's my mom." He excused himself, walking out of the stock room to the shop floor where the other officers and Marissa were. His colleague's face was tear-stained as she spoke to Officer Layton, while officers equipped with gloves took pictures and examined the scene. Luca accepted the call and before pressing the phone to his ear, he could hear his mother's distress on the other end. "Luca! Oh, thank God. Lucinda from across the road just came over and told me that Phil went to Your Second Cup just now, and the police were there. Is Marchie-" Her voice trailed off, as if she couldn't bring herself to say it because once spoken aloud, the finality of the situation couldn't be withdrawn. "Are you ok, honey?" Luca reassured his mother for the next five minutes that he was physically fine, but understandably rattled by this morning's events. "Ok, mom, I'm gonna go. I'll be home soon, ok? I just need to do some things, like go to the hospital and see what else the police need." He advised before he hung up, making sure to shoot a quick 'I love you' to ease his mother.
Darting his eyes around the room, he swore his senses were heightened for a minute. Everything seemed too much, too overwhelming. The smell of bleach mixed with blood made him feel sick, and his ears picked up on the background noise consisting of the shop's usual customers and passersby. Luca needed to sit down somewhere. Maybe outside? No, he would be ambushed by questions from the locals. 'No. I need to help out. I need to do something.' He decided, retreating to the stock room so he could speak to Officer Cross. He was mid-step before he heard a familiar voice coming from the rear of the building. His heart clenched as he heard the yell, recounting the shriek that Marissa let out earlier as she found Marchie. He felt like he was moving underwater as he reached the back entrance and realised Carolina was being denied entry. "It's fine." He addressed the officers flatly, "She was just checking I'm ok. We'll be around here if you need anything." He informed them of their whereabouts before leading Carolina towards the nearby benches, situated across from the back of the shop.
Luca sighed deeply after taking a seat. He didn't know what to say. Nothing could explain what he was feeling in that moment. "Marchie's dead." Is what he settled with. "And he's been dead since last evening."
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Sleepy Sleuth
Tired Detective
Carolina Browne
Carolina followed Luca over to the bench, curious to learn what all the commotion was about. She sat close beside him on the bench and listened intently. His words made her heart sink. Marcello's death was a blow to the community, of course, but she knew it would impact Luca a great deal in particular. She knew him well enough to know he would find a way to blame himself for the death, even if there was nothing he could have done.
She bit her lower lip, hesitating for a moment as she wondered what to say or do. What could she do? A man was dead, and another was grieving. There was always something to be done. Her mother had once told her that sympathy could not alter facts, but it could make them more bearable.
Careful not to seem too abrupt, she reached out and draped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a gentle embrace. It was the first time she had ever hugged him. She wished it had been under better circumstances.
"Are you gonna be okay?" she asked in her usual softspoken drawl.
Carolina followed Luca over to the bench, curious to learn what all the commotion was about. She sat close beside him on the bench and listened intently. His words made her heart sink. Marcello's death was a blow to the community, of course, but she knew it would impact Luca a great deal in particular. She knew him well enough to know he would find a way to blame himself for the death, even if there was nothing he could have done.
She bit her lower lip, hesitating for a moment as she wondered what to say or do. What could she do? A man was dead, and another was grieving. There was always something to be done. Her mother had once told her that sympathy could not alter facts, but it could make them more bearable.
Careful not to seem too abrupt, she reached out and draped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a gentle embrace. It was the first time she had ever hugged him. She wished it had been under better circumstances.
"Are you gonna be okay?" she asked in her usual softspoken drawl.
c0fi
Your average coffee enthusiast
{Luca Thornby}
Luca didn't respond for the first few seconds of the embrace. He sat stiffly as he felt Carolina' s arms wrap around him. Nobody had touched him since they found Marchie - not the police officers, not Marissa, and although his mother called him earlier, she wasn't present to physically comfort him like this. Compared to the scenes which had unfolded earlier, this moment didn't feel rushed. It was strange that someone who barely crossed into his space was able to put him at ease. Although he didn't return the hug immediately, his shoulders visibly relaxed. He exhaled, unsure of how to answer her question, until he finally spoke in a low, almost brittle, voice. "Uh, yeah. Yeah. I just- well, I don't know." Luca paused, reflecting on how Marchie being murdered had come to light. "I just think if I stayed back to close up with him, like usual, then maybe this wouldn't have happened, you know? I just don't understand..." His voice trailed off, his thoughts tangled inbetween guilt and disbelief.
Luca could feel his tears resting on his waterline, which prompted him to rub his face with both hands. "I know it's not logical." He tried to recollect himself as he spoke. "I would tell anybody else in my place that it's not their fault. But 30 minutes, Carolina." He emphasised, his voice thick, "I passed by work almost 30 minutes later and found him like that. I know I can't predict what's going to happen, and I'm not trying to play a hero right now, but it's the fact that I didn't even think to walk in. No alarm bells went off. Jesus- I waved at him and I didn't think anything was off when he didn't wave back?! I just went home." He then gently pulled away from his friend, leaning his elbows on his knees as he fixated on the concrete. Despite the helplessness he felt, he didn't want to burden Carolina with the task of having to console him. "I know he's gone now. I just didn't expect our last conversation to be about this morning's shift. And I just wish I looked through the glass a little harder when I saw him again, just so he didn't have to be left alone all night. Not like that." A beat passed as he recounted last night's scene, wishing he didn't let the rain get to him.
Then, he turned to look at Carolina's face. "Thanks for checking in. I appreciate it, really. I don't know how to describe this morning, but I'm glad you're here." Luca's eyes then flicked back to the ground. Marissa's screech was replaying in his head. "I don't know what's going to happen now. The police didn't really say anything." He racked his brain and tried to puzzle together potential motives for targeting Marchie but he was stumped. He settled on believing the murder was purely opportunistic, for now. But that opened the door to a darker question - who from Elden Hollows would do such a thing?
Luca didn't respond for the first few seconds of the embrace. He sat stiffly as he felt Carolina' s arms wrap around him. Nobody had touched him since they found Marchie - not the police officers, not Marissa, and although his mother called him earlier, she wasn't present to physically comfort him like this. Compared to the scenes which had unfolded earlier, this moment didn't feel rushed. It was strange that someone who barely crossed into his space was able to put him at ease. Although he didn't return the hug immediately, his shoulders visibly relaxed. He exhaled, unsure of how to answer her question, until he finally spoke in a low, almost brittle, voice. "Uh, yeah. Yeah. I just- well, I don't know." Luca paused, reflecting on how Marchie being murdered had come to light. "I just think if I stayed back to close up with him, like usual, then maybe this wouldn't have happened, you know? I just don't understand..." His voice trailed off, his thoughts tangled inbetween guilt and disbelief.
Luca could feel his tears resting on his waterline, which prompted him to rub his face with both hands. "I know it's not logical." He tried to recollect himself as he spoke. "I would tell anybody else in my place that it's not their fault. But 30 minutes, Carolina." He emphasised, his voice thick, "I passed by work almost 30 minutes later and found him like that. I know I can't predict what's going to happen, and I'm not trying to play a hero right now, but it's the fact that I didn't even think to walk in. No alarm bells went off. Jesus- I waved at him and I didn't think anything was off when he didn't wave back?! I just went home." He then gently pulled away from his friend, leaning his elbows on his knees as he fixated on the concrete. Despite the helplessness he felt, he didn't want to burden Carolina with the task of having to console him. "I know he's gone now. I just didn't expect our last conversation to be about this morning's shift. And I just wish I looked through the glass a little harder when I saw him again, just so he didn't have to be left alone all night. Not like that." A beat passed as he recounted last night's scene, wishing he didn't let the rain get to him.
Then, he turned to look at Carolina's face. "Thanks for checking in. I appreciate it, really. I don't know how to describe this morning, but I'm glad you're here." Luca's eyes then flicked back to the ground. Marissa's screech was replaying in his head. "I don't know what's going to happen now. The police didn't really say anything." He racked his brain and tried to puzzle together potential motives for targeting Marchie but he was stumped. He settled on believing the murder was purely opportunistic, for now. But that opened the door to a darker question - who from Elden Hollows would do such a thing?
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Sleepy Sleuth
Tired Detective
Carolina Browne
Carolina sat quietly as Luca talked, her hands folded in her lap as she watched him fight back his tears. A small part of her wished he had not pulled away from her. It was a silly thing to think about, especially now of all times, but a tinge of disappointment came unbidden, nevertheless. She forced herself to focus on more immediate issues.
Marcello had been ripped open from behind. The way it was described to Carolina made it sound awful, but the brutality of the crime brought with it a strange sense of comfort. Nobody who knew Marcello could have done such a horrid thing. Carolina was certain it had to be a tourist. She had heard that people from the big cities would sometimes do crazy and very violent things. She had long ago concluded that skyscrapers were just pressure cookers for the mad. Nobody from Eden Hollow could do something like this. It had to have been an outsider.
A thought suddenly occurred to Carolina. She had come here to deliver fresh cream, which was still sitting in the back of her old pickup truck. It would not stay cold forever. With a sad smile, she slid her hand over and brushed her fingers against Luca's wrist.
"I have to get the cream down to the grocers," she drawled. "I doubt the police will let me store it here. You have my phone number, right? Call me if you need anything. I'll be back in a little while. I promise."
Carolina sat quietly as Luca talked, her hands folded in her lap as she watched him fight back his tears. A small part of her wished he had not pulled away from her. It was a silly thing to think about, especially now of all times, but a tinge of disappointment came unbidden, nevertheless. She forced herself to focus on more immediate issues.
Marcello had been ripped open from behind. The way it was described to Carolina made it sound awful, but the brutality of the crime brought with it a strange sense of comfort. Nobody who knew Marcello could have done such a horrid thing. Carolina was certain it had to be a tourist. She had heard that people from the big cities would sometimes do crazy and very violent things. She had long ago concluded that skyscrapers were just pressure cookers for the mad. Nobody from Eden Hollow could do something like this. It had to have been an outsider.
A thought suddenly occurred to Carolina. She had come here to deliver fresh cream, which was still sitting in the back of her old pickup truck. It would not stay cold forever. With a sad smile, she slid her hand over and brushed her fingers against Luca's wrist.
"I have to get the cream down to the grocers," she drawled. "I doubt the police will let me store it here. You have my phone number, right? Call me if you need anything. I'll be back in a little while. I promise."
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c0fi
Your average coffee enthusiast
{Luca Thornby}
Luca allowed Carolina’s fingers to linger on his wrist. Like her earlier embrace, which he had not anticipated, it was comforting in the midst of everything taking place behind them. He wasn’t sure why, but it was oddly satisfying to be physically connected to someone right now. Grounding, even. However, the brief but warm moment was disrupted by Carolina mentioning her workload. The young man quickly whipped his head to glance at the cart she had driven in before directing his gaze back at his friend. He felt guilty knowing that while she could have completed a few deliveries by now, she was sitting here and comforting him instead. Although he was reluctant to let her leave, he stood up. “Of course. Sorry, I completely forgot about that. I don’t want to keep you.” He spoke as he rubbed the back of his neck. The last thing he wanted was to be alone; however, having to face the reality of this situation was inevitable. As far as he was aware, everybody loved Marcello's sense of humour and his caring nature. Marchie was quite popular for such traits, and being Luca's boss, Luca had witnessed his genuineness over the past 2 months. It was natural to grieve a great boss and an amazing person. As for Carolina, she had things to do, and the other businesses couldn’t wait forever for their fresh cream. To prevent spoiling, it was best to refrigerate it as early as possible. This was something Luca had to learn to deal with himself.
At the mention of holding Carolina’s number, Luca quickly nodded. A little too quickly. They had exchanged numbers quite recently after a little mishap. Luca was busy in the stock room/Marcello’s little office before they opened, and the doors were locked tight from both ends of the shop space. This left Carolina waiting outside for a little longer than usual. Luca knew her to be a sweet girl, and that was consolidated when she insisted it was no trouble. Of course, to make up for the inconvenience, Luca offered free coffee and his number. They texted eachother here and there, but it was mainly for work purposes where they arranged the best time for Carolina to do the weekly dairy delivery. However, there were moments where the conversation steered towards something more personal, where they asked what the other was up to outside of work. “Yeah, I have your number.” He confirmed, before continuing, “And thanks. I’ll see you soon, ok?” His voice faltered a little on the last sentence. It was almost like a promise.
Luca’s eyes then trailed towards the corner of the shop’s exterior wall. Although he couldn’t see around the corner, he knew the crowd had not yet dispersed. He wouldn’t be surprised if the crowd grew ten sizes. The townspeople were generally caring, but he had to admit they came off nosy, despite their best intentions. “Hey, listen.” He addressed Carolina before her departure, “Be careful, ok? And the same applies to you – call me if you need anything.” He requested. He couldn’t fathom the thought that was even crossing his mind, but Elden Hollows was no longer safe. For all the residents knew, the perpetrator could be amongst them in the crowd, witnessing the aftermath of their work. Luca then tried to distract himself since playing ‘Guess Who’ with the murderer’s identity was a job for the police. He couldn't help in that department. However, he felt useless just standing here, twiddling his thumbs and had an urge to help in any way he could. The barista's mind was racing as he figured out what he could do before he settled on something. Or someone. ‘Marissa’, he thought.
Luca allowed Carolina’s fingers to linger on his wrist. Like her earlier embrace, which he had not anticipated, it was comforting in the midst of everything taking place behind them. He wasn’t sure why, but it was oddly satisfying to be physically connected to someone right now. Grounding, even. However, the brief but warm moment was disrupted by Carolina mentioning her workload. The young man quickly whipped his head to glance at the cart she had driven in before directing his gaze back at his friend. He felt guilty knowing that while she could have completed a few deliveries by now, she was sitting here and comforting him instead. Although he was reluctant to let her leave, he stood up. “Of course. Sorry, I completely forgot about that. I don’t want to keep you.” He spoke as he rubbed the back of his neck. The last thing he wanted was to be alone; however, having to face the reality of this situation was inevitable. As far as he was aware, everybody loved Marcello's sense of humour and his caring nature. Marchie was quite popular for such traits, and being Luca's boss, Luca had witnessed his genuineness over the past 2 months. It was natural to grieve a great boss and an amazing person. As for Carolina, she had things to do, and the other businesses couldn’t wait forever for their fresh cream. To prevent spoiling, it was best to refrigerate it as early as possible. This was something Luca had to learn to deal with himself.
At the mention of holding Carolina’s number, Luca quickly nodded. A little too quickly. They had exchanged numbers quite recently after a little mishap. Luca was busy in the stock room/Marcello’s little office before they opened, and the doors were locked tight from both ends of the shop space. This left Carolina waiting outside for a little longer than usual. Luca knew her to be a sweet girl, and that was consolidated when she insisted it was no trouble. Of course, to make up for the inconvenience, Luca offered free coffee and his number. They texted eachother here and there, but it was mainly for work purposes where they arranged the best time for Carolina to do the weekly dairy delivery. However, there were moments where the conversation steered towards something more personal, where they asked what the other was up to outside of work. “Yeah, I have your number.” He confirmed, before continuing, “And thanks. I’ll see you soon, ok?” His voice faltered a little on the last sentence. It was almost like a promise.
Luca’s eyes then trailed towards the corner of the shop’s exterior wall. Although he couldn’t see around the corner, he knew the crowd had not yet dispersed. He wouldn’t be surprised if the crowd grew ten sizes. The townspeople were generally caring, but he had to admit they came off nosy, despite their best intentions. “Hey, listen.” He addressed Carolina before her departure, “Be careful, ok? And the same applies to you – call me if you need anything.” He requested. He couldn’t fathom the thought that was even crossing his mind, but Elden Hollows was no longer safe. For all the residents knew, the perpetrator could be amongst them in the crowd, witnessing the aftermath of their work. Luca then tried to distract himself since playing ‘Guess Who’ with the murderer’s identity was a job for the police. He couldn't help in that department. However, he felt useless just standing here, twiddling his thumbs and had an urge to help in any way he could. The barista's mind was racing as he figured out what he could do before he settled on something. Or someone. ‘Marissa’, he thought.
Sleepy Sleuth
Tired Detective
Carolina Browne
"I'll be careful," the farmgirl promised.
Carolina wanted to say more to Luca, to do more for him, but she had to admit that she did not know him well enough to. She made up her mind to fix that when she got back. She let her fingertips linger on his wrist for just a moment longer before she pulled herself away. A sad smile crept onto her lips as she waved goodbye to Luca. The rainwater on the asphalt splashed against her boots as she jogged back to her battered old pickup truck.
Her mind wandered back to the events of the night as she drove away from the coffee shop. It was unfathomable to think that anyone wanted to hurt poor Marcello. He had not deserved to die that way. By the time she got to the grocers, she had convinced herself that it had to have been a tourist.
The store manager was kind enough to take the excess cream off of Carolina's hands. She was just glad she would not have to return to her father with a truckload of spoiled cream and no money to show for it. The farmgirl lingered in the store while the loaders carried the containers of cream into the back of the store. She idled from one aisle to the next, not really looking for anything in particular. Something on the lower shelf of the snack section caught her eye. She smiled to herself as she picked it up.
Carolina had a little pocket money. Maybe some pecan pralines would cheer her friend up a bit.
"I'll be careful," the farmgirl promised.
Carolina wanted to say more to Luca, to do more for him, but she had to admit that she did not know him well enough to. She made up her mind to fix that when she got back. She let her fingertips linger on his wrist for just a moment longer before she pulled herself away. A sad smile crept onto her lips as she waved goodbye to Luca. The rainwater on the asphalt splashed against her boots as she jogged back to her battered old pickup truck.
Her mind wandered back to the events of the night as she drove away from the coffee shop. It was unfathomable to think that anyone wanted to hurt poor Marcello. He had not deserved to die that way. By the time she got to the grocers, she had convinced herself that it had to have been a tourist.
The store manager was kind enough to take the excess cream off of Carolina's hands. She was just glad she would not have to return to her father with a truckload of spoiled cream and no money to show for it. The farmgirl lingered in the store while the loaders carried the containers of cream into the back of the store. She idled from one aisle to the next, not really looking for anything in particular. Something on the lower shelf of the snack section caught her eye. She smiled to herself as she picked it up.
Carolina had a little pocket money. Maybe some pecan pralines would cheer her friend up a bit.
Sonderlandt
New Member
Ronan Marsh
The window was open, spilling early september cool across his ear and collarbones. Ronan's gruff answer was muffled by the blanket as he dug himself back in, lamenting that summer vacation had been over for a few days now and he was leaving the last days of summer further behind with every morning. Not even the prospect of rowing practice made waking up an easier process, just a slightly faster one.
Not wanting to break out of his comfortable cocoon yet, he let the sleepiness linger for as long as he could. Remnants of a pleasant dream splintered away from him as soon as his alarm went off and he immediately made note to change the overly cheery tune on his phone to something less out of touch with reality. Kicking off the blanket and manhandling the phone into silence he hoisted himself up, eyes still half closed and yawned, unfolding his limbs into a hearty stretch. With a grumble of resignation he swayed himself towards the bathroom to get ready for the coming day.
~~~
As he trudged down the stairs towards the kitchen he vaguely caught the last line of the newscaster and instantly missed a step colliding painfully with the hall cabinet. Ronan grimaced through the sting, ears pricking up to catch what else was said. Did he hear that right?
“You good son?”
“I’m good.” Ronan answered hastily, entering the kitchen with an embarrassed hop as his eyes caught his dad and the source that instigated the mishap. The ancient radio crackling in one of the windowsills.
“Something’s up at the cup.” His dad stated, taking a tentative sip of his morning coffee. Any other day Ronan would have given the Disappointed Offspring stare for a terrible dad pun but the frown on his dad’s face did little to ease his own apprehension.
“I think someone has passed.” Mr Marsh said as he leaned forward and tuned the radio up a little.
A shiver of dread suddenly travelled down Ronan’s spine.
“What? Luca works there.”
“I”m sure he’s not involved.” His dad said with too much confidence for someone who didn’t have all the facts.
His appetite left Ronan immediately as he gathered his things. “I’m going to check up on him. Later dad.”
“Don't you have rowing practice?!” His dad echoed behind him as Ronan quickly stepped into his shoes and made for the garage.
“It’s on the way!”
Ronan briefly considered taking his car, but tore the bike from its stand instead. His regular bike...that wasn’t unusual as it was a means to channel some of his adhd once it came online, but this day it was different. This nervous, agitated energy he wanted to get rid of even before he got to the boathouse.
He swung his leg over and quickly dashed out of the garage into the direction of the main river and Elden Hollows High School, and by adjacency, Luca’s working place.
Maybe it was just his imagination. The people's faces seemed different that day. A little clouded over, a little more draped in shadows. He shook off the thought as he put some power on the pedals to increase speed and let the wind fly through his wild hair as he slinked through traffic quickly and confidently, like he always had.
The sight that greeted him on the main street was unusual. There was a commotion. Police and strained voices. It was eerie, such an antithesis to how the mornings went until now. The tightness in his chest didn’t let loose until he spotted his friend's shoes poking out behind he shop wall at the back.
He was still a ways off, and normally he would have rushed over and slid to a halt with a deafening screech but something held him back as his legs fell still on the pedals early and his hands slowly squeezed the brakes, steeling himself for whatever was to come as the wheels gradually came to a stop. Ronan hopped off the bike and quietly landed on his feet next to his friend.
‘Luca?” He asked, his voice, barely above a whisper, sounded strangely loud to his own ears. Somehow, the whole world seemed to have turned inside out.
“What is going on?”
The window was open, spilling early september cool across his ear and collarbones. Ronan's gruff answer was muffled by the blanket as he dug himself back in, lamenting that summer vacation had been over for a few days now and he was leaving the last days of summer further behind with every morning. Not even the prospect of rowing practice made waking up an easier process, just a slightly faster one.
Not wanting to break out of his comfortable cocoon yet, he let the sleepiness linger for as long as he could. Remnants of a pleasant dream splintered away from him as soon as his alarm went off and he immediately made note to change the overly cheery tune on his phone to something less out of touch with reality. Kicking off the blanket and manhandling the phone into silence he hoisted himself up, eyes still half closed and yawned, unfolding his limbs into a hearty stretch. With a grumble of resignation he swayed himself towards the bathroom to get ready for the coming day.
~~~
As he trudged down the stairs towards the kitchen he vaguely caught the last line of the newscaster and instantly missed a step colliding painfully with the hall cabinet. Ronan grimaced through the sting, ears pricking up to catch what else was said. Did he hear that right?
“You good son?”
“I’m good.” Ronan answered hastily, entering the kitchen with an embarrassed hop as his eyes caught his dad and the source that instigated the mishap. The ancient radio crackling in one of the windowsills.
“Something’s up at the cup.” His dad stated, taking a tentative sip of his morning coffee. Any other day Ronan would have given the Disappointed Offspring stare for a terrible dad pun but the frown on his dad’s face did little to ease his own apprehension.
“I think someone has passed.” Mr Marsh said as he leaned forward and tuned the radio up a little.
A shiver of dread suddenly travelled down Ronan’s spine.
“What? Luca works there.”
“I”m sure he’s not involved.” His dad said with too much confidence for someone who didn’t have all the facts.
His appetite left Ronan immediately as he gathered his things. “I’m going to check up on him. Later dad.”
“Don't you have rowing practice?!” His dad echoed behind him as Ronan quickly stepped into his shoes and made for the garage.
“It’s on the way!”
Ronan briefly considered taking his car, but tore the bike from its stand instead. His regular bike...that wasn’t unusual as it was a means to channel some of his adhd once it came online, but this day it was different. This nervous, agitated energy he wanted to get rid of even before he got to the boathouse.
He swung his leg over and quickly dashed out of the garage into the direction of the main river and Elden Hollows High School, and by adjacency, Luca’s working place.
Maybe it was just his imagination. The people's faces seemed different that day. A little clouded over, a little more draped in shadows. He shook off the thought as he put some power on the pedals to increase speed and let the wind fly through his wild hair as he slinked through traffic quickly and confidently, like he always had.
The sight that greeted him on the main street was unusual. There was a commotion. Police and strained voices. It was eerie, such an antithesis to how the mornings went until now. The tightness in his chest didn’t let loose until he spotted his friend's shoes poking out behind he shop wall at the back.
He was still a ways off, and normally he would have rushed over and slid to a halt with a deafening screech but something held him back as his legs fell still on the pedals early and his hands slowly squeezed the brakes, steeling himself for whatever was to come as the wheels gradually came to a stop. Ronan hopped off the bike and quietly landed on his feet next to his friend.
‘Luca?” He asked, his voice, barely above a whisper, sounded strangely loud to his own ears. Somehow, the whole world seemed to have turned inside out.
“What is going on?”
Last edited:
c0fi
Your average coffee enthusiast
{Luca Thornby}
‘Marissa.’ He thought to himself. The woman was his senior by a few years and took on a big sister role around him ever since he began working at the coffee shop. Marchie once told him that Marissa had been his longest-serving employee. Out of all the staff, Luca was sure that his boss’s death affected Marissa the most, especially because she was the one to first realise that he had passed. Whilst he pondered offering his condolences and comfort to Marissa, he was caught off-guard by Ronan’s entrance, despite it being gentle. When his friend enquired about what had occurred, all Luca could do was stare back at Ronan’s countenance for a full minute. Despite Ronan being legally considered an adult and Luca not being that much older himself, he still felt a need to shield his friend from such horrific news. ‘But’, Luca thought as he breathed out a sigh, ‘That’s the thing about Elden Hollows – he’s going to find out sooner or later.’
“Someone killed Marchie.” He informed, struggling to gulp as he continued. He had already explained the situation to his mother on the phone and then recounted it once more to Carolina. However, it didn’t get easier. “That was last night. After my shift.” He carefully considered his next words. Luca knew what some townspeople were like when it came to gossip and relaying news. It was like a game of Chinese Whispers, and he suspected that it wouldn’t take too long for rumours to spread about Luca seeing Marchie shortly after his death. Luca knew Ronan wasn’t like this. They had known eachother for so long. Long enough to never doubt eachother's character. The young barista continued, brushing a hand through his hair as he did so, “I went to the supermarket, and I was walking past the Cup on my way home. I couldn’t see properly because of the rain – it was kinda heavy – but when Marissa and I found him this morning, he looked like he was in the same position as when I saw him then. Meaning someone killed him straight after I had left the closing shift.”
Luca’s eyes then studied Ronan’s face to gauge his reaction. In the background, he could hear the commotion from the front of the shop as officers began taping off the perimeter around Your Second Cup. The officers were providing vague and unfulfilling answers to locals about what had just taken place. “I just don’t get it…” Luca mumbled, more to himself than to Ronan, “Stuff like this never happens here. Sure, people get into fights, but it never ends like this.” He could name people who were known for their temperamental and confrontational natures, but couldn’t name someone capable of murder. He then turned towards his friend as he watched officers approach the back where they were standing, gesturing for them to leave the area since it was behind the tape they had just put up. “Listen,” Luca spoke softly, “You should get to rowing practice. But I appreciate you coming out here. I’m fine. Marissa seemed shaken up, but all in all, she’s fine. Physically, I mean. I saw Carolina, uh- you know her, the farmer's daughter? She checked up too. I spoke to my mom about everything. I think I’m just going to see if Marissa’s ok and then head to the clinic for a check-up. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight.” He advised. It was evident that his thoughts were scattered as he wondered how to deal with the situation.
‘Marissa.’ He thought to himself. The woman was his senior by a few years and took on a big sister role around him ever since he began working at the coffee shop. Marchie once told him that Marissa had been his longest-serving employee. Out of all the staff, Luca was sure that his boss’s death affected Marissa the most, especially because she was the one to first realise that he had passed. Whilst he pondered offering his condolences and comfort to Marissa, he was caught off-guard by Ronan’s entrance, despite it being gentle. When his friend enquired about what had occurred, all Luca could do was stare back at Ronan’s countenance for a full minute. Despite Ronan being legally considered an adult and Luca not being that much older himself, he still felt a need to shield his friend from such horrific news. ‘But’, Luca thought as he breathed out a sigh, ‘That’s the thing about Elden Hollows – he’s going to find out sooner or later.’
“Someone killed Marchie.” He informed, struggling to gulp as he continued. He had already explained the situation to his mother on the phone and then recounted it once more to Carolina. However, it didn’t get easier. “That was last night. After my shift.” He carefully considered his next words. Luca knew what some townspeople were like when it came to gossip and relaying news. It was like a game of Chinese Whispers, and he suspected that it wouldn’t take too long for rumours to spread about Luca seeing Marchie shortly after his death. Luca knew Ronan wasn’t like this. They had known eachother for so long. Long enough to never doubt eachother's character. The young barista continued, brushing a hand through his hair as he did so, “I went to the supermarket, and I was walking past the Cup on my way home. I couldn’t see properly because of the rain – it was kinda heavy – but when Marissa and I found him this morning, he looked like he was in the same position as when I saw him then. Meaning someone killed him straight after I had left the closing shift.”
Luca’s eyes then studied Ronan’s face to gauge his reaction. In the background, he could hear the commotion from the front of the shop as officers began taping off the perimeter around Your Second Cup. The officers were providing vague and unfulfilling answers to locals about what had just taken place. “I just don’t get it…” Luca mumbled, more to himself than to Ronan, “Stuff like this never happens here. Sure, people get into fights, but it never ends like this.” He could name people who were known for their temperamental and confrontational natures, but couldn’t name someone capable of murder. He then turned towards his friend as he watched officers approach the back where they were standing, gesturing for them to leave the area since it was behind the tape they had just put up. “Listen,” Luca spoke softly, “You should get to rowing practice. But I appreciate you coming out here. I’m fine. Marissa seemed shaken up, but all in all, she’s fine. Physically, I mean. I saw Carolina, uh- you know her, the farmer's daughter? She checked up too. I spoke to my mom about everything. I think I’m just going to see if Marissa’s ok and then head to the clinic for a check-up. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight.” He advised. It was evident that his thoughts were scattered as he wondered how to deal with the situation.
Last edited:
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
[WARNING: It is highly recommended that you finish reading my prequel story thread BEFORE looking at my character sheet / IC post.
There are multiple plot twists. So, if you want to maintain suspense and avoid spoilers, please finish that thread first.]
My Prequel Story Thread:
www.rpnation.com
More detailed explanation of what happened, with spoilers about my character, in my character sheet:
www.rpnation.com
My IC post for present times, with spoilers about my character:
IC Scene 01 Part 01:
There are multiple plot twists. So, if you want to maintain suspense and avoid spoilers, please finish that thread first.]
My Prequel Story Thread:
Other - Dream's Mystery / Horror Writing (PM for feedback)
Dream's Mystery / Horror Writing (PM for feedback) This is a thread for me to put my mystery / horror writing. Please PM for feedback.
www.rpnation.com
More detailed explanation of what happened, with spoilers about my character, in my character sheet:
Realistic or Modern - The Murders of Elden Hollows - Character Sheets (OPEN)
Small town - big secrets. You get the gist.
www.rpnation.com
My IC post for present times, with spoilers about my character:
IC Scene 01 Part 01:
[Content Warning / Disclaimer: Content warning for history of abuse, violence, gore, implied SA, self harm, etc. This is not intended to promote or glorify any of these things. This is also not intended to stereotype LGBT people, or anyone else, and I am just writing relevant characters for a horror / mystery setting. I am attempting to write this with what I consider to be a reasonable degree of personal sympathy.]
[OOC Note: I have left some things ambiguous for my character and their story on purpose. Whether they really committed whatever crimes or not. I personally feel like having a (reformed) villain that did many bad things, is more dramatic. But, if something makes the GM / players uncomfortable, just let me know and we can ignore that part for the main RP. I'm sorry in advance.]
...
[OOC Note: The narrative here is intended to be psychological / surrealist fantasy. It is not intended to promote the actual existence of anything magical / supernatural. I assume this to be a realistic setting. If anyone needs clarification on something, please ask me.]
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Inocente Domicile
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd, Early Morning
On the outer ring of town, of Elden Hollows, there lay in rest, a small, dark house, with an occupant named Virginia Inocente.
And in this house, in a hole that some might call a room, cluttered and cramped, on a dirty bed, lay our Virginia, in a repose that was not quite yet eternal.
And as the time approached 0600, the alarm clock sharply rang.
The young Virgil remained in bed.
"Get up, you moron!" shouted his older sister. "You're going to be late for school!"
Virgil did not want to go to school.
His sister shouted, "I said, get up!" And she grabbed hold of Virgil's shoulders and shook him violently.
Virgil groaned.
Virgil's sister ripped off the covers from Virgil's body.
As Virgil continued to lie there, weakly, Virgil's older sister started kicking her younger brother.
"Uh! Stop!" Virgil cried.
But she continued to kick him. "Say my name!" that sister ordered, with malice and expectation.
"Mercy! Please!" Virgil pleaded.
And Mercy, his ever benevolent older sister, ceased to injure him, for the time being. With a smile, "Mercy" said, "That's right. I'm the most merciful bytch there is." Feigning care, Mercy started to caress Virgil. Mercy asked, "Does it hurt?"
Virgil weakly answered, "...Yes..."
In a sweet voice, Mercy said, "Awww... Want me to <k<i<>s>s> <i<>t> to make it better?"
"No, don't--"
Then Mercy--
[CUT TO WHITE.]
Virgil-- Now Virginia-- woke up in a sweat, and bolted upright.
The alarm clock continued to ring, and Virginia clumsily smashed the "OFF" button.
Her body acting automatically, Virginia rose from bed, her hand taking her witch's knife, and in fencing posture, she swung the knife defensively around the room, looking in every direction, to find, staring back at her--
Only herself. Reflected in her great mirror. Her knife pointed back at her.
She froze, holding the knife up, in a duelist's stance. Her heart beating quickly, in a chest which had grown heavier over the last few years.
Clad in white undergarments, which contrasted with her somewhat dark skin, and black hair, she was surprised by her appearance, happy for her "development", were it not for the fact that she increasingly resembled the person that she hated.
Virginia breathed heavily, her chest moving in an unhealthy rhythm, as her knife stayed pointed at herself in her reflection.
Then there appeared in her reflection, a second figure, by her side, much like her, but with an all-black body, a shadow.
This shadow gently grabbed Virginia's defensive arm, and softly said, "Relax... She can't hurt you now."
The shadow gently guided Virginia's arm down, and Virginia released the knife upon a bedroom table, Virginia's arms then falling limply at her sides.
The shadow in the mirror gently hugged Virginia from behind, and asked, "Nightmare again?"
Virginia replied, "...hhh... yeah... The usual..."
The shadow assured Virginia, "I'm here for you, the same as always."
Mercy had "owned" Virgil. And Mercy would "collect" her "tribute" whenever she wanted.
The cycle was devastating for Virgil's development.
Abused at home, and bullied at school, Virgil had no safe place to escape to.
Eventually, although the specifics were different, Virgil would express himself through his own crimes.
The brutality, Virginia came to understand, was the same.
Virginia said, reflectively, "I'm worried that I'm just like her."
The shadow responded, "You're so much more than that." And with eyes glowing white, the shadow said, "Just look around you."
And as Virginia looked around her chamber, cluttered as it was, but full of life, in marching order, several books flew out from the shelves; their wings lightly flapping until they settled to stand like monuments to life's progress.
Virginia's life was laid out in books, each representing a parallel volume in her own history.
The first book, Surviving CSA (2001), a book for survivor awareness and education, which, unfortunately, the young Virgil had not been old enough to read.
The second book, Creation of a Killer (2003), an analysis of young criminals like Virgil, which Virginia would not understand until later.
The third book, The Book of Darkness (2007), Virgil's own confessional novel, describing how he captured twelve girls, and slaughtered four other girls.
The fourth book, The Killer Who Said Sorry: The Inocente Case (2009), someone else's biography of Virginia while she was imprisoned in a mental hospital; Virginia disagreed with some of what the co-author had said, but wanted to own the book anyways, to see what they said about her; it was, at least, more positive than negative.
The fifth book, The Nordenreich Program (2015), a history and analysis of an experimental prisoner rehabilitation program which Virginia had been a part of.
The sixth book, Making Good (2016), a book about reformation, with stories about former convicts helping their communities.
The seventh book, The Black Virgin Returns (2017), Virginia's own fictionalized biography about herself, as a former criminal and then doctoral student; although gothic in aesthetic, it is more humorous in tone than her other books ("Although I did the Very Bad Things, I still think I can become a Good Person. Maybe. We'll see."); it also references her time visiting a Catholic women's university and pretending to be a Sister ("Which was a very strange experience, and only half-way identical to a yuri fantasy.").
[OOC Note: I have left some things ambiguous for my character and their story on purpose. Whether they really committed whatever crimes or not. I personally feel like having a (reformed) villain that did many bad things, is more dramatic. But, if something makes the GM / players uncomfortable, just let me know and we can ignore that part for the main RP. I'm sorry in advance.]
...
[OOC Note: The narrative here is intended to be psychological / surrealist fantasy. It is not intended to promote the actual existence of anything magical / supernatural. I assume this to be a realistic setting. If anyone needs clarification on something, please ask me.]
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Inocente Domicile
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd, Early Morning
On the outer ring of town, of Elden Hollows, there lay in rest, a small, dark house, with an occupant named Virginia Inocente.
And in this house, in a hole that some might call a room, cluttered and cramped, on a dirty bed, lay our Virginia, in a repose that was not quite yet eternal.
And as the time approached 0600, the alarm clock sharply rang.
The young Virgil remained in bed.
"Get up, you moron!" shouted his older sister. "You're going to be late for school!"
Virgil did not want to go to school.
His sister shouted, "I said, get up!" And she grabbed hold of Virgil's shoulders and shook him violently.
Virgil groaned.
Virgil's sister ripped off the covers from Virgil's body.
As Virgil continued to lie there, weakly, Virgil's older sister started kicking her younger brother.
"Uh! Stop!" Virgil cried.
But she continued to kick him. "Say my name!" that sister ordered, with malice and expectation.
"Mercy! Please!" Virgil pleaded.
And Mercy, his ever benevolent older sister, ceased to injure him, for the time being. With a smile, "Mercy" said, "That's right. I'm the most merciful bytch there is." Feigning care, Mercy started to caress Virgil. Mercy asked, "Does it hurt?"
Virgil weakly answered, "...Yes..."
In a sweet voice, Mercy said, "Awww... Want me to <k<i<>s>s> <i<>t> to make it better?"
"No, don't--"
Then Mercy--
[CUT TO WHITE.]
Virgil-- Now Virginia-- woke up in a sweat, and bolted upright.
The alarm clock continued to ring, and Virginia clumsily smashed the "OFF" button.
Her body acting automatically, Virginia rose from bed, her hand taking her witch's knife, and in fencing posture, she swung the knife defensively around the room, looking in every direction, to find, staring back at her--
Only herself. Reflected in her great mirror. Her knife pointed back at her.
She froze, holding the knife up, in a duelist's stance. Her heart beating quickly, in a chest which had grown heavier over the last few years.
Clad in white undergarments, which contrasted with her somewhat dark skin, and black hair, she was surprised by her appearance, happy for her "development", were it not for the fact that she increasingly resembled the person that she hated.
Virginia breathed heavily, her chest moving in an unhealthy rhythm, as her knife stayed pointed at herself in her reflection.
Then there appeared in her reflection, a second figure, by her side, much like her, but with an all-black body, a shadow.
This shadow gently grabbed Virginia's defensive arm, and softly said, "Relax... She can't hurt you now."
The shadow gently guided Virginia's arm down, and Virginia released the knife upon a bedroom table, Virginia's arms then falling limply at her sides.
The shadow in the mirror gently hugged Virginia from behind, and asked, "Nightmare again?"
Virginia replied, "...hhh... yeah... The usual..."
The shadow assured Virginia, "I'm here for you, the same as always."
Mercy had "owned" Virgil. And Mercy would "collect" her "tribute" whenever she wanted.
The cycle was devastating for Virgil's development.
Abused at home, and bullied at school, Virgil had no safe place to escape to.
Eventually, although the specifics were different, Virgil would express himself through his own crimes.
The brutality, Virginia came to understand, was the same.
Virginia said, reflectively, "I'm worried that I'm just like her."
The shadow responded, "You're so much more than that." And with eyes glowing white, the shadow said, "Just look around you."
And as Virginia looked around her chamber, cluttered as it was, but full of life, in marching order, several books flew out from the shelves; their wings lightly flapping until they settled to stand like monuments to life's progress.
Virginia's life was laid out in books, each representing a parallel volume in her own history.
The first book, Surviving CSA (2001), a book for survivor awareness and education, which, unfortunately, the young Virgil had not been old enough to read.
The second book, Creation of a Killer (2003), an analysis of young criminals like Virgil, which Virginia would not understand until later.
The third book, The Book of Darkness (2007), Virgil's own confessional novel, describing how he captured twelve girls, and slaughtered four other girls.
The fourth book, The Killer Who Said Sorry: The Inocente Case (2009), someone else's biography of Virginia while she was imprisoned in a mental hospital; Virginia disagreed with some of what the co-author had said, but wanted to own the book anyways, to see what they said about her; it was, at least, more positive than negative.
The fifth book, The Nordenreich Program (2015), a history and analysis of an experimental prisoner rehabilitation program which Virginia had been a part of.
The sixth book, Making Good (2016), a book about reformation, with stories about former convicts helping their communities.
The seventh book, The Black Virgin Returns (2017), Virginia's own fictionalized biography about herself, as a former criminal and then doctoral student; although gothic in aesthetic, it is more humorous in tone than her other books ("Although I did the Very Bad Things, I still think I can become a Good Person. Maybe. We'll see."); it also references her time visiting a Catholic women's university and pretending to be a Sister ("Which was a very strange experience, and only half-way identical to a yuri fantasy.").
Last edited:
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 01 Part 02:
"Thanks, Shadow," said Virginia, feeling at least somewhat more at peace now.
"Although, it is unfortunate, that I look so much like her. And you, too," Virginia expressed sadly.
"That which we love, and that which we hate, tend to remain fixed in our mind," Shadow commented.
"Did you read that in a book somewhere?" Virginia responded sarcastically.
Shadow answered, "You did, so yes."
Virginia stared at herself in the mirror, and Shadow, and wondered how much she had taken from her "predecessor", and how much of the "evil" was "original".
The shadow joked, "Perhaps I should be called, 'Cruelty'?"
Virginia laughed. "That would be suitable for you. Although, given how much you've changed, the name would be ironic now. I think, for now, 'Shadow' will suffice."
Shadow smiled softly; Or, rather, she would have smiled, if she had a mouth; it was hard to tell.
Having, relatively speaking at least, calmed down, Virginia started her morning routine.
Virginia walked over to her medicine refrigerator.
"Oh, no!" Shadow cried out. Shadow joked, "Am I going to disappear?"
Virginia replied, "No, way, homie. You're staying right here."
For a long time now, Virginia had refused to take conventional psych medications. Although they sometimes made the hallucinations stop, they also made it difficult to feel normal emotions or do anything productive. After consulting with a variety of different doctors, Virginia had figured out her own personal treatment plan, customized to her needs and desires.
A tank of water available with a cup next to it. Virginia filled her own cup. Virginia opened her medicine refrigerator. On the unit, she had placed a picture of an anime girl with sunglasses, styled like Morpheus from The Matrix; in her hands, she held out a "red pill" and a "blue pill".
From a bottle, Virginia got out a "pink pill" and ingested it; the prescription bottle read "daily estrogen supplement", used for hormone therapy.
After that, Virginia took the rest of her daily medications. Virginia quickly consumed a protein bar. And she took a daily multivitamin.
Virginia looked at her calendar. Shadow asked, "So, what are we doing today, Mistress?"
Virginia jokingly replied, "The same thing we do every day, Shadow: Try to take over the world!"
Shadow quietly laughed.
"But more seriously," Virginia said, "Let's see..."
Virginia's calendar listed both her normal work schedule, and various community service activities.
Virginia had been required to do community service as part of her sentencing. She had already completed her required amount of days. However, she found that she enjoyed volunteering and contributing to her community.
Virginia, or, Virgil, Inocente, had originally lived in Medium City, New Netherlands. (Across the border between Vermont and New York State.) The crimes being committed from circa 2003 to 2006. Circa 2007, Virgil had become a minor celebrity, first as a teen crime writer, and then, as the defendant in a real criminal trial. Virginia briefly became popular, for good or bad reasons, her books being best-sellers. However, by the 2010s, the Inocente case had faded into obscurity for anyone outside of New Netherlands. Inocente's return to Medium City was met with a mixed reception: while most people had moved on, the victims still remembered. Eventually, Virginia decided to move away and live somewhere else for a while. She decided on Elden Hollows, as some random small town, where, probably, no one knew who she was. Virginia informed the police about her criminal record, although they did not know the exact details. Due to the police's good nature, or, perhaps, corruption, the police decided not to inform the local townspeople. They did not want worries about a killer to disrupt their "peaceful" small town. As a result, the main people that knew about Virginia's criminal history, were the current police chief, and a few other officers. There may have also been a few crime literature enthusiasts who knew the truth, but for the time being, they had been keeping quiet about it.
"Although, it is unfortunate, that I look so much like her. And you, too," Virginia expressed sadly.
"That which we love, and that which we hate, tend to remain fixed in our mind," Shadow commented.
"Did you read that in a book somewhere?" Virginia responded sarcastically.
Shadow answered, "You did, so yes."
Virginia stared at herself in the mirror, and Shadow, and wondered how much she had taken from her "predecessor", and how much of the "evil" was "original".
The shadow joked, "Perhaps I should be called, 'Cruelty'?"
Virginia laughed. "That would be suitable for you. Although, given how much you've changed, the name would be ironic now. I think, for now, 'Shadow' will suffice."
Shadow smiled softly; Or, rather, she would have smiled, if she had a mouth; it was hard to tell.
Having, relatively speaking at least, calmed down, Virginia started her morning routine.
Virginia walked over to her medicine refrigerator.
"Oh, no!" Shadow cried out. Shadow joked, "Am I going to disappear?"
Virginia replied, "No, way, homie. You're staying right here."
For a long time now, Virginia had refused to take conventional psych medications. Although they sometimes made the hallucinations stop, they also made it difficult to feel normal emotions or do anything productive. After consulting with a variety of different doctors, Virginia had figured out her own personal treatment plan, customized to her needs and desires.
A tank of water available with a cup next to it. Virginia filled her own cup. Virginia opened her medicine refrigerator. On the unit, she had placed a picture of an anime girl with sunglasses, styled like Morpheus from The Matrix; in her hands, she held out a "red pill" and a "blue pill".
From a bottle, Virginia got out a "pink pill" and ingested it; the prescription bottle read "daily estrogen supplement", used for hormone therapy.
After that, Virginia took the rest of her daily medications. Virginia quickly consumed a protein bar. And she took a daily multivitamin.
Virginia looked at her calendar. Shadow asked, "So, what are we doing today, Mistress?"
Virginia jokingly replied, "The same thing we do every day, Shadow: Try to take over the world!"
Shadow quietly laughed.
"But more seriously," Virginia said, "Let's see..."
Virginia's calendar listed both her normal work schedule, and various community service activities.
Virginia had been required to do community service as part of her sentencing. She had already completed her required amount of days. However, she found that she enjoyed volunteering and contributing to her community.
Virginia, or, Virgil, Inocente, had originally lived in Medium City, New Netherlands. (Across the border between Vermont and New York State.) The crimes being committed from circa 2003 to 2006. Circa 2007, Virgil had become a minor celebrity, first as a teen crime writer, and then, as the defendant in a real criminal trial. Virginia briefly became popular, for good or bad reasons, her books being best-sellers. However, by the 2010s, the Inocente case had faded into obscurity for anyone outside of New Netherlands. Inocente's return to Medium City was met with a mixed reception: while most people had moved on, the victims still remembered. Eventually, Virginia decided to move away and live somewhere else for a while. She decided on Elden Hollows, as some random small town, where, probably, no one knew who she was. Virginia informed the police about her criminal record, although they did not know the exact details. Due to the police's good nature, or, perhaps, corruption, the police decided not to inform the local townspeople. They did not want worries about a killer to disrupt their "peaceful" small town. As a result, the main people that knew about Virginia's criminal history, were the current police chief, and a few other officers. There may have also been a few crime literature enthusiasts who knew the truth, but for the time being, they had been keeping quiet about it.
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 01 Part 03:
Virginia looked at her calendar, past and present, for possible considerations. "Last week, we volunteered for feeding the homeless. After that, we were working at the town library. Maybe we could do part-time work at a book store again...? With what's-her-name..."
[OOC Note: Trying to do some helpful worldbuilding here. Let me know if I need to change anything.]
Virginia noted that she would be teaching at the high school / community college today, in the Old Academy Building. The high school and community college were together located on the same greater campus. In the old times, there had been only one educational institution in Elden Hollows (The Academy). As time went on, a new high school and a new community college were built nearby. However, the Old Academy Building continued to be used for a few classes. Currently, the Old Academy Building specialized in humanities courses; both for upper-level high school students, and lower-level college students. Classes also occasionally received visitors, mostly former students, who wanted to talk to their favorite teachers for some reason or another.
Ms. Inocente's approximate schedule went as follows:
08:00 AM: Intro to World Literature (ENGLISH 202 for the community college; ENGLISH 4 HONORS for the high school.)
08:45 AM: Break / Counseling
09:00 AM: Intro to Psychology (PSYCHOLOGY 101 for the community college; optional class for the high school.)
09:45 AM: Break / Counseling
10:00 AM: Intro to Religious Studies (PHILOSOPHY 201 for the community college; optional class for the high school.)
10:45 AM: Break / Counseling
11:00 AM: Lunch Break
12:30 PM: Staff Meetings / Grading
01:30 PM: Off-Work
The rest of her afternoons would be available for volunteering, part-time jobs, or whatever she felt like doing on that day.
"Well, whatever," Virginia said. "I can figure it out later."
Virginia decided to move on with her morning routine. "Ugh, I feel gross," Virginia said. Virginia looked in her closet for clothes that she could wear.
"What should we wear today...?"
Shirts... Pants... Dresses...
A Joy Division T-shirt... Something with a waveform design...
A gothic black shirt, which had the words: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, with a heart next to Friday.
Shadow interjected, "Ooh, do we have that as a shirt?"
Virginia turned and said, "What?"
Shadow pointed at a poster on Virginia's wall. It was a rear shot of a half-naked anime girl, half-turned back towards the viewer; her rear end was in focus, while in her hand, she also held a knife. Beside it were the words: "K1LLER A55".
"You know they'd never allow that at school." Said Virginia in annoyance.
Shadow sat there quietly.
Eventually, Virginia settled on her outfit for later today: A black dress top, with a dull brown pleated skirt, white thighhigh socks, and white gloves. Completed with her regular black combat boots.
Virginia went into her bathroom, and did her regular hygiene routine. After cleaning and drying herself, she got dressed. Using her bedchamber vanity mirror, she applied some makeup, mainly focused on heavy black eyeliner. Her skin was naturally a pale brown shade; she was of Latin / Asian descent, and did tan, but had not been getting much sun lately. Her hair was a kind of dark brown, almost black; naturally wavy, her hair fell over her shoulders and sometimes onto her chest. She didn't usually bother styling her hair; it just kind of did its own thing, and she thought it usually looked okay enough.
Virginia remembered her most important accessory that she needed: a weapon for today. Virginia looked over her knife collection. Each one different in purpose and aesthetic. There was her witch's knife from earlier. She also had some utility knives. With some uncertainty, Virginia eventually settled on taking with her a survival knife. Something that could be used for killing someone, which doubled as a convenient tool for peeling fruit.
[OOC Note: Trying to do some helpful worldbuilding here. Let me know if I need to change anything.]
Virginia noted that she would be teaching at the high school / community college today, in the Old Academy Building. The high school and community college were together located on the same greater campus. In the old times, there had been only one educational institution in Elden Hollows (The Academy). As time went on, a new high school and a new community college were built nearby. However, the Old Academy Building continued to be used for a few classes. Currently, the Old Academy Building specialized in humanities courses; both for upper-level high school students, and lower-level college students. Classes also occasionally received visitors, mostly former students, who wanted to talk to their favorite teachers for some reason or another.
Ms. Inocente's approximate schedule went as follows:
08:00 AM: Intro to World Literature (ENGLISH 202 for the community college; ENGLISH 4 HONORS for the high school.)
08:45 AM: Break / Counseling
09:00 AM: Intro to Psychology (PSYCHOLOGY 101 for the community college; optional class for the high school.)
09:45 AM: Break / Counseling
10:00 AM: Intro to Religious Studies (PHILOSOPHY 201 for the community college; optional class for the high school.)
10:45 AM: Break / Counseling
11:00 AM: Lunch Break
12:30 PM: Staff Meetings / Grading
01:30 PM: Off-Work
The rest of her afternoons would be available for volunteering, part-time jobs, or whatever she felt like doing on that day.
"Well, whatever," Virginia said. "I can figure it out later."
Virginia decided to move on with her morning routine. "Ugh, I feel gross," Virginia said. Virginia looked in her closet for clothes that she could wear.
"What should we wear today...?"
Shirts... Pants... Dresses...
A Joy Division T-shirt... Something with a waveform design...
A gothic black shirt, which had the words: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, with a heart next to Friday.
Shadow interjected, "Ooh, do we have that as a shirt?"
Virginia turned and said, "What?"
Shadow pointed at a poster on Virginia's wall. It was a rear shot of a half-naked anime girl, half-turned back towards the viewer; her rear end was in focus, while in her hand, she also held a knife. Beside it were the words: "K1LLER A55".
"You know they'd never allow that at school." Said Virginia in annoyance.
Shadow sat there quietly.
Eventually, Virginia settled on her outfit for later today: A black dress top, with a dull brown pleated skirt, white thighhigh socks, and white gloves. Completed with her regular black combat boots.
Virginia went into her bathroom, and did her regular hygiene routine. After cleaning and drying herself, she got dressed. Using her bedchamber vanity mirror, she applied some makeup, mainly focused on heavy black eyeliner. Her skin was naturally a pale brown shade; she was of Latin / Asian descent, and did tan, but had not been getting much sun lately. Her hair was a kind of dark brown, almost black; naturally wavy, her hair fell over her shoulders and sometimes onto her chest. She didn't usually bother styling her hair; it just kind of did its own thing, and she thought it usually looked okay enough.
Virginia remembered her most important accessory that she needed: a weapon for today. Virginia looked over her knife collection. Each one different in purpose and aesthetic. There was her witch's knife from earlier. She also had some utility knives. With some uncertainty, Virginia eventually settled on taking with her a survival knife. Something that could be used for killing someone, which doubled as a convenient tool for peeling fruit.
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 02:
Virginia stowed her other personal essentials in her skirt pockets, and grabbed her bags, heading out into the living room. She was met by a white skeleton dressed in a black robe. "Morning, Grim!" Virginia greeted him. The Grim Reaper was silent, but nodded at her in acknowledgment. Virginia. Knew. That. Unlike shadow figures. Death was not real.
Still, she felt like she should politely talk to him, if he was there. Grim was usually silent, though he occasionally replied back when her brain was feeling "creative". Virginia thought that he was too scary for her bedroom, so she kept him in her living room, which she jokingly referred to as the "dying room". The Grim Reaper had originally been holding a scythe in one hand, with the other hand empty. Virginia, at some point, decided to make him hold other things as props: A newspaper, or a dirty magazine. Whatever she thought looked funny. Today, he wasn't holding anything unusual.
"Watch the house while I'm gone, OK?" Virginia half-jokingly requested.
Virginia looked at the clock. "7:45 already?"
"Did you pack your lunch?" Shadow reminded her.
Virginia was anxious. "There's no time. I'll have to pick up something while I'm out."
Her bags by her side, Virginia was about to leave, when the phone rang. It was her business phone.
Virginia looked at the phone. It was the police department.
Virginia picked up the phone, and waited silently. She did not like to be the first person to speak.
"Ms. Inocente." It was a very serious sounding voice. A female officer from the station.
"...Hello...?" Virginia in time answered.
"Do you know why we're calling you?" the officer prompted.
"I already did my monthly check-in," Virginia said in annoyance.
"Something has come up." The officer spoke briefly and professionally.
"Can it wait?" Virginia responded. "I'm going to be late for school."
"...It's important." The officer emphasized.
Virginia was irritated. But she felt like she had no choice. "I'll be right there." She did not know what it was, but a feeling of doom crept over her.
"Thanks." The officer replied.
Virginia hung up the phone.
Virginia noted that it had been dark outside the last few days. She hoped that it wouldn't rain again. It was starting to get cold. Virginia grabbed her usual jacket. And, taking her bags with her, reluctantly stepped outside into the void.
Still, she felt like she should politely talk to him, if he was there. Grim was usually silent, though he occasionally replied back when her brain was feeling "creative". Virginia thought that he was too scary for her bedroom, so she kept him in her living room, which she jokingly referred to as the "dying room". The Grim Reaper had originally been holding a scythe in one hand, with the other hand empty. Virginia, at some point, decided to make him hold other things as props: A newspaper, or a dirty magazine. Whatever she thought looked funny. Today, he wasn't holding anything unusual.
"Watch the house while I'm gone, OK?" Virginia half-jokingly requested.
Virginia looked at the clock. "7:45 already?"
"Did you pack your lunch?" Shadow reminded her.
Virginia was anxious. "There's no time. I'll have to pick up something while I'm out."
Her bags by her side, Virginia was about to leave, when the phone rang. It was her business phone.
Virginia looked at the phone. It was the police department.
Virginia picked up the phone, and waited silently. She did not like to be the first person to speak.
"Ms. Inocente." It was a very serious sounding voice. A female officer from the station.
"...Hello...?" Virginia in time answered.
"Do you know why we're calling you?" the officer prompted.
"I already did my monthly check-in," Virginia said in annoyance.
"Something has come up." The officer spoke briefly and professionally.
"Can it wait?" Virginia responded. "I'm going to be late for school."
"...It's important." The officer emphasized.
Virginia was irritated. But she felt like she had no choice. "I'll be right there." She did not know what it was, but a feeling of doom crept over her.
"Thanks." The officer replied.
Virginia hung up the phone.
Virginia noted that it had been dark outside the last few days. She hoped that it wouldn't rain again. It was starting to get cold. Virginia grabbed her usual jacket. And, taking her bags with her, reluctantly stepped outside into the void.
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 03 Part 01:
Viewpoint: Elden Police Department
Location: Elden Police Station
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0748.
After setting down the phone, a senior female officer (Officer A) sat in an office chair.
A junior female officer (Officer B) stood a short distance away from her. The latter asked the former, "You think she did it?"
Officer A said, "It doesn't match the pattern. All of those crimes-- (The Pretty Girl Cases)-- those were crimes of passion. Or hatred." The officer reviewed today's case notes. "This-- This is something else. This is something political. Or, perhaps, religious."
"..."
"So, no, I don't think she did it." Officer A said this. "But we still have to call her here, as a matter of procedure."
Officer A considered the situation. Who could have done this?
Inocente was reformed. Officer A knew that. She wouldn't kill someone.
Inocente was reformed. Praiseworthy. Perhaps angelic, even.
She was a good person. Then again, maybe that wasn't such a good thing. Maybe this murder, or, perhaps, assassination, was the first step on her crusade against something or other. The only thing more dangerous than a bad man with a weapon, was a good man with a weapon.
Officer B asked, "Remind me, who is this Inocente person?"
Officer A handed her an old case file with the list of charges.
"...At least twelve kidnapping charges... All teenage girls... At least four SA charges... Charges dropped... One girl missing, one girl beaten to death, one girl dismembered, one girl still not found..."
Location: Elden Police Station
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0748.
After setting down the phone, a senior female officer (Officer A) sat in an office chair.
A junior female officer (Officer B) stood a short distance away from her. The latter asked the former, "You think she did it?"
Officer A said, "It doesn't match the pattern. All of those crimes-- (The Pretty Girl Cases)-- those were crimes of passion. Or hatred." The officer reviewed today's case notes. "This-- This is something else. This is something political. Or, perhaps, religious."
"..."
"So, no, I don't think she did it." Officer A said this. "But we still have to call her here, as a matter of procedure."
Officer A considered the situation. Who could have done this?
Inocente was reformed. Officer A knew that. She wouldn't kill someone.
Inocente was reformed. Praiseworthy. Perhaps angelic, even.
She was a good person. Then again, maybe that wasn't such a good thing. Maybe this murder, or, perhaps, assassination, was the first step on her crusade against something or other. The only thing more dangerous than a bad man with a weapon, was a good man with a weapon.
Officer B asked, "Remind me, who is this Inocente person?"
Officer A handed her an old case file with the list of charges.
"...At least twelve kidnapping charges... All teenage girls... At least four SA charges... Charges dropped... One girl missing, one girl beaten to death, one girl dismembered, one girl still not found..."
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 03 Part 02:
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Elden Police Station
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0754.
Virginia Inocente arrived at the police station.
"--And she's a teacher, now," said Officer A.
Officer B said, "I wouldn't let <h<i>m> near <m<y< >k>i>d>s>."
Virginia interjected, "I'm right here, you know." And angrily corrected her, "It's 'she', now, by the way. And I'm not interested in your kids."
Officer B stayed on the defensive, but was slightly defeated.
Virginia further clarified, "Let me remind you, that all of my victims were around the same age as me at the time. I would never abuse my authority over someone weaker than me. I'm not like you people."
Virginia had her knife ready at her side, if things got serious. Likewise, the officers had their guns ready at their sides, if things got serious.
Officer A hoped that things would not get serious, and just wanted to move on with things. The conversation continued casually.
Officer A tiredly confirmed, "You won't be touching any girls, now, will you?"
"Of course," Virginia replied. "Not without their permission."
Officer A looked at Virginia. "Good girl."
Virginia complained, "Don't make it sound so weird. You don't know what really happened. I'm not some pervert."
Officer B said, staring at Virginia, "I'm pretty sure you're the definition of a pervert."
Virginia sighed and said, "Whatever. As we say, one book, ten interpretations."
Officer A tried to have them focus on the case at hand.
Virginia said, "Anyway. You brought me here." Virginia asked, "What is it?"
Officer A asked in response, "Where were you on the night of September 2nd?"
Virginia said, "I don't know..." She considered her response for some time. "Oh, yes. I was at the library. At the board game table. Playing Scrabble with the old ladies."
Officer A picked up a phone and called the library. "Hello? What was going on at the library on September 2nd?"
A female librarian answered, "Let me see... Nothing much... I believe we did have our board game night."
"And who was there?" asked Officer A.
The librarian replied, "Hmmm... I don't quite remember. Some old ladies. The regulars. ...Oh, and I believe there was an English teacher."
"An English teacher?"
"...Miss Inocente, I believe."
"...Thank you, ma'am. That'll be all."
"Is there something going on?"
"Nothing to be concerned about."
Officer A hung up the phone. Officer A then confirmed, "It checks out."
Officer A turned to Virginia and further asked, "And what about early the morning after?"
"I don't know," Virginia said, "Probably at home, sleeping. Having nightmares about past traumas."
Feeling a little bad, but trying to continue professionally, Officer A replied, "Fair enough."
Officer A asked Virginia, "You ever visit the Second Cup?"
Virginia replied, "Oh, heavens, no. I don't drink coffee anymore. Caffeine is terrible for my anxiety."
Officer A further asked, "You know the owner?"
Virginia said, "Not really, no." ... Virginia asked, "Is he OK?"
Officer A announced simply, "He's dead."
... Virginia didn't know how to respond to this. "What? Heart attack?"
Officer A declared, "Murder."
... Virginia, at a loss, suggested, "Are you sure he didn't do it himself?"
Officer A said, "...People... don't do that. Not like that."
Virginia didn't know what she could be referring to.
Officer A hazardously explained, "You wouldn't want to see it. Or maybe you would. I don't know."
Virginia said, "You know I don't like violence. It makes me not feel good."
Officer B said, "After all that you did?"
Virginia said, "It's been a long time. I've changed. I can't stomach it anymore."
Location: Elden Police Station
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0754.
Virginia Inocente arrived at the police station.
"--And she's a teacher, now," said Officer A.
Officer B said, "I wouldn't let <h<i>m> near <m<y< >k>i>d>s>."
Virginia interjected, "I'm right here, you know." And angrily corrected her, "It's 'she', now, by the way. And I'm not interested in your kids."
Officer B stayed on the defensive, but was slightly defeated.
Virginia further clarified, "Let me remind you, that all of my victims were around the same age as me at the time. I would never abuse my authority over someone weaker than me. I'm not like you people."
Virginia had her knife ready at her side, if things got serious. Likewise, the officers had their guns ready at their sides, if things got serious.
Officer A hoped that things would not get serious, and just wanted to move on with things. The conversation continued casually.
Officer A tiredly confirmed, "You won't be touching any girls, now, will you?"
"Of course," Virginia replied. "Not without their permission."
Officer A looked at Virginia. "Good girl."
Virginia complained, "Don't make it sound so weird. You don't know what really happened. I'm not some pervert."
Officer B said, staring at Virginia, "I'm pretty sure you're the definition of a pervert."
Virginia sighed and said, "Whatever. As we say, one book, ten interpretations."
Officer A tried to have them focus on the case at hand.
Virginia said, "Anyway. You brought me here." Virginia asked, "What is it?"
Officer A asked in response, "Where were you on the night of September 2nd?"
Virginia said, "I don't know..." She considered her response for some time. "Oh, yes. I was at the library. At the board game table. Playing Scrabble with the old ladies."
Officer A picked up a phone and called the library. "Hello? What was going on at the library on September 2nd?"
A female librarian answered, "Let me see... Nothing much... I believe we did have our board game night."
"And who was there?" asked Officer A.
The librarian replied, "Hmmm... I don't quite remember. Some old ladies. The regulars. ...Oh, and I believe there was an English teacher."
"An English teacher?"
"...Miss Inocente, I believe."
"...Thank you, ma'am. That'll be all."
"Is there something going on?"
"Nothing to be concerned about."
Officer A hung up the phone. Officer A then confirmed, "It checks out."
Officer A turned to Virginia and further asked, "And what about early the morning after?"
"I don't know," Virginia said, "Probably at home, sleeping. Having nightmares about past traumas."
Feeling a little bad, but trying to continue professionally, Officer A replied, "Fair enough."
Officer A asked Virginia, "You ever visit the Second Cup?"
Virginia replied, "Oh, heavens, no. I don't drink coffee anymore. Caffeine is terrible for my anxiety."
Officer A further asked, "You know the owner?"
Virginia said, "Not really, no." ... Virginia asked, "Is he OK?"
Officer A announced simply, "He's dead."
... Virginia didn't know how to respond to this. "What? Heart attack?"
Officer A declared, "Murder."
... Virginia, at a loss, suggested, "Are you sure he didn't do it himself?"
Officer A said, "...People... don't do that. Not like that."
Virginia didn't know what she could be referring to.
Officer A hazardously explained, "You wouldn't want to see it. Or maybe you would. I don't know."
Virginia said, "You know I don't like violence. It makes me not feel good."
Officer B said, "After all that you did?"
Virginia said, "It's been a long time. I've changed. I can't stomach it anymore."
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 03 Part 03:
Officer A told Virginia, "You're in the clear. We know you didn't do it. But if this happens again... You won't get off so easy."
Virginia said, "I don't think it will happen again. At least, I hope not."
Officer B opined (regarding the sentencing), "I still don't think 10 years is enough."
Virginia countered, "Well, let's see-- Maximum security... two years in a mental hospital... six years of hard labor in Nordenreich... two years of at-home detention... aaand 120 days of community service. I'd say that I've done more to help the community, than you have."
Officer B stood in shock.
Officer A groaned, "Ladies... Let's be civil."
Officer B said to Virginia, "Alright... So you may be a good person, now. But, no matter how much you're redeemed in the eyes of society... It's still not going to bring them back."
". . . ." Those words cut hard. Virginia burst into a rage. "You think I don't know that?! You think I don't think about it every day?!"
Officer B stepped back, with surprise at the reaction.
"You didn't know them--" Virginia emphasized-- "I knew them. ... Some of them, I <l<o<v<e<d< >t>h>e>m>." She was near crying. "...I just... did something that I shouldn't have..."
Officer B didn't know what to say.
Virginia warned, "Don't you dare say that they were just victims for me. You weren't there. You don't know what happened. ... And don't you dare speak for the dead." Her face was dripping tears now.
Officer A was at a loss for words.
Virginia, still half-crying, tried to settle herself professionally. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some students to take care of."
Virginia started to walk out of the police station. She felt done with this place. And now, she would have to put her emotions away. Calm.
"Virginia--" Officer A called out.
Virginia stopped and turned, with annoyance. "What?"
Officer A hazarded, "We know you didn't do it. But will you help us find who did?"
". . . ." Virginia replied, "I'll have to think about it."
Then Virginia turned and exited the station.
Virginia said, "I don't think it will happen again. At least, I hope not."
Officer B opined (regarding the sentencing), "I still don't think 10 years is enough."
Virginia countered, "Well, let's see-- Maximum security... two years in a mental hospital... six years of hard labor in Nordenreich... two years of at-home detention... aaand 120 days of community service. I'd say that I've done more to help the community, than you have."
Officer B stood in shock.
Officer A groaned, "Ladies... Let's be civil."
Officer B said to Virginia, "Alright... So you may be a good person, now. But, no matter how much you're redeemed in the eyes of society... It's still not going to bring them back."
". . . ." Those words cut hard. Virginia burst into a rage. "You think I don't know that?! You think I don't think about it every day?!"
Officer B stepped back, with surprise at the reaction.
"You didn't know them--" Virginia emphasized-- "I knew them. ... Some of them, I <l<o<v<e<d< >t>h>e>m>." She was near crying. "...I just... did something that I shouldn't have..."
Officer B didn't know what to say.
Virginia warned, "Don't you dare say that they were just victims for me. You weren't there. You don't know what happened. ... And don't you dare speak for the dead." Her face was dripping tears now.
Officer A was at a loss for words.
Virginia, still half-crying, tried to settle herself professionally. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some students to take care of."
Virginia started to walk out of the police station. She felt done with this place. And now, she would have to put her emotions away. Calm.
"Virginia--" Officer A called out.
Virginia stopped and turned, with annoyance. "What?"
Officer A hazarded, "We know you didn't do it. But will you help us find who did?"
". . . ." Virginia replied, "I'll have to think about it."
Then Virginia turned and exited the station.
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 04:
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Elden Police Station Parking Lot
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0807.
Virginia walked out into the parking lot. As Virginia was, in fact, disabled, suffering from partial paralysis, she had parked in one of the handicapped parking spaces next to the station.
Virginia opened the car door, got inside, and shut the door, which had that distinctive sound that only old cars make.
Another killer in the same small town? What were the odds?
Virginia felt... something. She felt worry. She felt fear. But, she also felt something else rise in her...
As Virginia checked her mirrors, there, seated in the back of the car, was a shadowy figure, staring back at her.
"You think I'll get to play?" asked the shadow with an expectant smile.
Virginia answered her reluctantly, "We'll have to see about that."
Viewpoint: Elden Police Department
Location: Elden Police Station
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0807.
The officers at the Elden Police Department looked out the window at Virginia, who, for the moment, was still seated in her car there.
"What do you think goes on in her mind?" Officer B asked.
Officer A sighed; "No idea."
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Elden Police Station Parking Lot / Streets
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0807.
After a while, Virginia decided it was time to leave. She confirmed that all of her bags were still there, and checked her seatbelt.
Virginia owned a car. Virginia hated cars. But Virginia owned a car. Although Virginia preferred public transportation, due to the relative lack of infrastructure in rural places like this, having a car available was near essential. And, Virginia figured, if she was going to own a car, she might as well own the best worst car she could find.
That car ended up being an old-fashioned muscle car, which, she believed, had been formerly owned by a funeral director. The car had an all-black main body, with a chrome trim. Heavy and aggressive, it looked like it could equally be something from The Addams Family, or a police car from Mad Max One. Another obvious comparison was the Batmobile. Virginia pulled out of the parking lot, and sped off.
Behind her flashed a custom license plate that read, "MMTO MORI".
Location: Elden Police Station Parking Lot
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0807.
Virginia walked out into the parking lot. As Virginia was, in fact, disabled, suffering from partial paralysis, she had parked in one of the handicapped parking spaces next to the station.
Virginia opened the car door, got inside, and shut the door, which had that distinctive sound that only old cars make.
Another killer in the same small town? What were the odds?
Virginia felt... something. She felt worry. She felt fear. But, she also felt something else rise in her...
As Virginia checked her mirrors, there, seated in the back of the car, was a shadowy figure, staring back at her.
"You think I'll get to play?" asked the shadow with an expectant smile.
Virginia answered her reluctantly, "We'll have to see about that."
Viewpoint: Elden Police Department
Location: Elden Police Station
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0807.
The officers at the Elden Police Department looked out the window at Virginia, who, for the moment, was still seated in her car there.
"What do you think goes on in her mind?" Officer B asked.
Officer A sighed; "No idea."
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Elden Police Station Parking Lot / Streets
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0807.
After a while, Virginia decided it was time to leave. She confirmed that all of her bags were still there, and checked her seatbelt.
Virginia owned a car. Virginia hated cars. But Virginia owned a car. Although Virginia preferred public transportation, due to the relative lack of infrastructure in rural places like this, having a car available was near essential. And, Virginia figured, if she was going to own a car, she might as well own the best worst car she could find.
That car ended up being an old-fashioned muscle car, which, she believed, had been formerly owned by a funeral director. The car had an all-black main body, with a chrome trim. Heavy and aggressive, it looked like it could equally be something from The Addams Family, or a police car from Mad Max One. Another obvious comparison was the Batmobile. Virginia pulled out of the parking lot, and sped off.
Behind her flashed a custom license plate that read, "MMTO MORI".
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 05 and 06:
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Streets
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0810.
On the car's modified audio system, there played the alternative metal / rap song from the Death Note anime OP 2.
"Say, WAAAAH!" From the back seat, Shadow sang along with the lyrics. "Say, WAAAH!"
Virginia continued driving in annoyance. "I hate this song."
"Then why did you put it on the playlist?" Shadow asked.
"For you." Virginia replied tersely.
Shadow returned, in joking analysis: "Which means that you like it."
"Whatever," Virginia sighed.
...
"HEY, HEY, NINGEN SXCKER / A NINGEN, NINGEN FXCKER--"
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Elden High School / Community College Parking Lot
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0815.
--A song from Theatres des Vampires played as Virginia pulled into the school parking lot.
Virginia, fortunately, was able to find parking. Had she not been able to find parking, like in the more crowded big cities, she was ready to paste on a sticker on her car that said "STATE EXEMPT". In her case, she interpreted "State Exempt" as meaning, "Exempt from 'The State'".
Virginia sighed. She was late for class. But she could still make it, for half the session, at least.
As Virginia was getting her stuff ready, Shadow asked, "Can I come with?"
Virginia replied, "I guess..." Knowing that there was really no way to get rid of her.
"Nice," Shadow responded.
Virginia said, "But please, put some clothes on."
Shadow replied, "But why? I don't have a [censored] right now."
Virginia said, "You stand out too much. It's distracting. Just try to look like everyone else."
Shadow asked, "Like this?" Shadow appearing now as wearing a hip-hop style outfit with the shirt featuring the K1LLER A55.
Virginia replied, "No, you can't wear that shirt at school. ... And take off that stupid baseball cap. People don't wear that anymore."
Shadow made her second attempt: "How about this?" Appearing to wear a Catholic schoolgirl's outfit.
Virginia said, "Good enough. Now come on, we're going to be late."
"Yes, Mistress," Shadow answered, following along behind Virginia as she exited the car and walked to class.
Location: Streets
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0810.
On the car's modified audio system, there played the alternative metal / rap song from the Death Note anime OP 2.
"Say, WAAAAH!" From the back seat, Shadow sang along with the lyrics. "Say, WAAAH!"
Virginia continued driving in annoyance. "I hate this song."
"Then why did you put it on the playlist?" Shadow asked.
"For you." Virginia replied tersely.
Shadow returned, in joking analysis: "Which means that you like it."
"Whatever," Virginia sighed.
...
"HEY, HEY, NINGEN SXCKER / A NINGEN, NINGEN FXCKER--"
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Elden High School / Community College Parking Lot
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0815.
--A song from Theatres des Vampires played as Virginia pulled into the school parking lot.
Virginia, fortunately, was able to find parking. Had she not been able to find parking, like in the more crowded big cities, she was ready to paste on a sticker on her car that said "STATE EXEMPT". In her case, she interpreted "State Exempt" as meaning, "Exempt from 'The State'".
Virginia sighed. She was late for class. But she could still make it, for half the session, at least.
As Virginia was getting her stuff ready, Shadow asked, "Can I come with?"
Virginia replied, "I guess..." Knowing that there was really no way to get rid of her.
"Nice," Shadow responded.
Virginia said, "But please, put some clothes on."
Shadow replied, "But why? I don't have a [censored] right now."
Virginia said, "You stand out too much. It's distracting. Just try to look like everyone else."
Shadow asked, "Like this?" Shadow appearing now as wearing a hip-hop style outfit with the shirt featuring the K1LLER A55.
Virginia replied, "No, you can't wear that shirt at school. ... And take off that stupid baseball cap. People don't wear that anymore."
Shadow made her second attempt: "How about this?" Appearing to wear a Catholic schoolgirl's outfit.
Virginia said, "Good enough. Now come on, we're going to be late."
"Yes, Mistress," Shadow answered, following along behind Virginia as she exited the car and walked to class.
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 07 Part 01:
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Old Academy Building (Elden High School and Community College)
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0815.
Virginia, or, as she was now known, Ms. Inocente, arrived in class. Her classes were in the Old Academy Building, the oldest educational building in Elden Hollows, which housed some classes for both the high school and the adjacent community college.
Quickly scanning over the room as she walked in, Virginia said in her sweetest teacher voice, "Good mo~rning, children."
It was her habit to refer to them as "children", even though most of them were about 17 to 19 years old; and Virginia herself was only in her 20s. Her time in prison had made her feel considerably aged, while at the same time, freezing her in time mentally as her underdeveloped juvenile self. Due to her physical conditions, she could be seen as someone barely 18. Or possibly younger. Which had an awkward effect when interacting with students.
She did not really feel like a normal adult, but "teacher" was a role that she had to play, with mixed results.
"Welcome to my English class," Ms. Inocente announced. "Yes, you are in the right place. I was just running late. Due to... unforeseen events."
Ms. Inocente looked over her seated students in more detail. There was room for about 32 students in the simple rectangular schoolhouse room. But, at the moment, there were only about 16 students present. "Wow, are this many students absent?" Ms. Inocente exclaimed. "Or is it always like this? ... Well, this town does have a pretty low population, after all. I'm just used to how things are in a big city." Ms. Inocente rudely joked, "With a population this small... Well, you people must have a lot of <c<o<u<s<i<n< >l>o>v>i>n>g>. [Censored.] Very fun." Then she had a flashback. "No, actually, it's not fun. Sorry."
Soon after that awkward moment. The sound system played the song, "Reveille", as the colors were raised outside; the intercom called the students to attention: "Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance."
"I don't give a fxck if you stand," Virginia quickly informed the students. Then, referencing her earlier offensive topic: "Ah, yes, speaking of 'maintaining blood purity'..."
As the Pledge began, Virginia offered a fascist salute to the flag. Most of the students had risen for the Pledge, by routine, whether they believed in it, or not. A few remained seated. Of the students, some of them reacted to Virginia with shock and horror. Some of them, though, smiled or laughed.
"As we know," Virginia summarized, "Amerika ueber alles." She lowered her salute.
"Alright, younglings, sit down." Virginia sighed.
Virginia, having already set down her other things, set down her "purse" on her great desk. Her "purse" was actually a military style medical bag. On it was a patch depicting the Totenkopf, and the words "Aktion T4". Obviously intended ironically, given her disability, and status as an ethnic minority. Contrasting with, or complementing, the bag, was her jacket; she had been wearing a jacket in the style of a 1940s prison uniform; prominently displayed on the chest of the uniform was a cloth patch of a black triangle, accompanied by words "ANTI-SOCIAL".
"Hello, and welcome to my class," Ms. Inocente (re)emphasized. "Although we have already had a few class meetings. Let me (re)introduce myself. For the benefit of any students who enrolled late. ... And because I need to figure out, who I apparently am." She started writing on the board, turning back regularly to face the students. "My name is 'Virginia' 'Inocente'." She said in a strained tone, "'Virginia', because I'm a virgin. ... 'Inocente' is Spanish for 'innocent'. Because I've never done anything wrong in my life." She paused to look at students. "As for why my name is Spanish, when I look Asian, that's a long story. ... I'm glad that I'm not the only Asian person here. Sometimes I feel like some kind of alien." Vermont had for a long time been an extremely conservative, "White"-dominated region; though, in recent years, it had flipped to being one of the most progressive regions of the country. In recent years, the ethnic diversity had been gradually increasing. Elden Hollows, in particular, had had a higher than average amount of ethnic diversity. (Perhaps due to connections with the New Netherlands / New York areas.)
Location: Old Academy Building (Elden High School and Community College)
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0815.
Virginia, or, as she was now known, Ms. Inocente, arrived in class. Her classes were in the Old Academy Building, the oldest educational building in Elden Hollows, which housed some classes for both the high school and the adjacent community college.
Quickly scanning over the room as she walked in, Virginia said in her sweetest teacher voice, "Good mo~rning, children."
It was her habit to refer to them as "children", even though most of them were about 17 to 19 years old; and Virginia herself was only in her 20s. Her time in prison had made her feel considerably aged, while at the same time, freezing her in time mentally as her underdeveloped juvenile self. Due to her physical conditions, she could be seen as someone barely 18. Or possibly younger. Which had an awkward effect when interacting with students.
She did not really feel like a normal adult, but "teacher" was a role that she had to play, with mixed results.
"Welcome to my English class," Ms. Inocente announced. "Yes, you are in the right place. I was just running late. Due to... unforeseen events."
Ms. Inocente looked over her seated students in more detail. There was room for about 32 students in the simple rectangular schoolhouse room. But, at the moment, there were only about 16 students present. "Wow, are this many students absent?" Ms. Inocente exclaimed. "Or is it always like this? ... Well, this town does have a pretty low population, after all. I'm just used to how things are in a big city." Ms. Inocente rudely joked, "With a population this small... Well, you people must have a lot of <c<o<u<s<i<n< >l>o>v>i>n>g>. [Censored.] Very fun." Then she had a flashback. "No, actually, it's not fun. Sorry."
Soon after that awkward moment. The sound system played the song, "Reveille", as the colors were raised outside; the intercom called the students to attention: "Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance."
"I don't give a fxck if you stand," Virginia quickly informed the students. Then, referencing her earlier offensive topic: "Ah, yes, speaking of 'maintaining blood purity'..."
As the Pledge began, Virginia offered a fascist salute to the flag. Most of the students had risen for the Pledge, by routine, whether they believed in it, or not. A few remained seated. Of the students, some of them reacted to Virginia with shock and horror. Some of them, though, smiled or laughed.
"As we know," Virginia summarized, "Amerika ueber alles." She lowered her salute.
"Alright, younglings, sit down." Virginia sighed.
Virginia, having already set down her other things, set down her "purse" on her great desk. Her "purse" was actually a military style medical bag. On it was a patch depicting the Totenkopf, and the words "Aktion T4". Obviously intended ironically, given her disability, and status as an ethnic minority. Contrasting with, or complementing, the bag, was her jacket; she had been wearing a jacket in the style of a 1940s prison uniform; prominently displayed on the chest of the uniform was a cloth patch of a black triangle, accompanied by words "ANTI-SOCIAL".
"Hello, and welcome to my class," Ms. Inocente (re)emphasized. "Although we have already had a few class meetings. Let me (re)introduce myself. For the benefit of any students who enrolled late. ... And because I need to figure out, who I apparently am." She started writing on the board, turning back regularly to face the students. "My name is 'Virginia' 'Inocente'." She said in a strained tone, "'Virginia', because I'm a virgin. ... 'Inocente' is Spanish for 'innocent'. Because I've never done anything wrong in my life." She paused to look at students. "As for why my name is Spanish, when I look Asian, that's a long story. ... I'm glad that I'm not the only Asian person here. Sometimes I feel like some kind of alien." Vermont had for a long time been an extremely conservative, "White"-dominated region; though, in recent years, it had flipped to being one of the most progressive regions of the country. In recent years, the ethnic diversity had been gradually increasing. Elden Hollows, in particular, had had a higher than average amount of ethnic diversity. (Perhaps due to connections with the New Netherlands / New York areas.)
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 07 Part 02:
"So, who am I?" Professor Inocente said. "I am a visiting professor here at Elden Hollows Community College. As well as a part-time teacher here at Elden Hollows High School. I earned my PhD in World Literature and Psychology of Religion. My thesis was on (taking a deep breath)... evolution of religious and psychodynamic models of conformation and deviance; (breathing) with its expression in the literature of medieval and modern Europe and America. (breathing) Okay, I don't expect you to understand all of that." She laughed. "But if you're interested, talk to me after class."
Professor Inocente wrote some more on the board. "Here is my approximate schedule for today. Which I assume should be the same schedule for the rest of this week, unless things change."
08:00 AM: Intro to World Literature
08:45 AM: Break / Counseling
09:00 AM: Intro to Psychology
09:45 AM: Break / Counseling
10:00 AM: Intro to Religious Studies
10:45 AM: Break / Counseling
11:00 AM: Lunch Break
12:30 PM: Staff Meetings / Grading
01:30 PM: Off-Work
Profesor Inocente explained: "You are currently in my Intro to World Literature class. If you are interested in taking one of my other classes. Because you enjoy listening to my lovely voice. And/or suffer from some form of insanity. Please see me during counseling. As for what you can expect in my other classes... In my Psychology class, we will explain how the human mind works. And why people's brains are all messed up. In my Religious Studies class, we will be talking about religion. We will learn about your beloved Christianity. Because everyone needs to feel guilty sometimes; it builds character. We will continue the living memory of Judaism. Because no one should be forced to live in a tiny area, while being under constant threat of extermination by a militaristic government. Wait a minute... And we will strive to understand Islam. A religion of peace. And, I assure you, only 1% of the time, going kaboom." ... Feeling like she may have offended someone or other, Ms. Inocente followed this by saying, "Peace be upon you," and the equivalents in Hebrew and Arabic. Virginia did not really hate anyone in particular; illustrated by her placement of various scriptures in places of honor in the classroom. However, she did experience a level of skepticism, which sometimes descended into cruel humor. "We will also be discussing Hinduism, Buddhism, and whatever else."
Profesor Inocente quickly transitioned. "But, let's focus on the class you are in right now."
Profesor Inocente explained: "Welcome to my Intro to World Literature class. That is ENGLISH 202 for the community college. And for the high school, that is ENGLISH 4, HONORS. If you complete this class, you will be eligible for college credit, which is transferrable." She turned toward the older looking students. "If you are here from the college, this is a required class for all Humanities majors." She turned toward the younger looking students. "And for everyone here from the high school. You must be smart little gremlins. ... Either that, or poor little drones, trying to make your mommy and daddy happy. I don't know. I think most of you are going to be juniors and seniors. Maybe a few freshmen or sophomores. If you're some kind of a super-genius. ... Or maybe you're a poor romantic. Shunned by society. Suffering patiently. ...Until you kill someone!" There was an awkward silence. Virginia continued nervously, "Ha ha. Just kidding. Not speaking from personal experience, there." Virginia stared psychopathically at her students, and then clasped her hands in a prayer-like posture.
"Any-way..."
Virginia motioned to seated students. "Welcome, welcome. Please make sure that you are in the right class. This is World Literature. If this is your first time taking this class... congratulations on the first step of your college journey. If you have already taken this class before... What happened? Did you fail? If so, I'm sorry. We'll try to make it better this time. Otherwise... What happened? Why are you here? Did you get hit on the head with the coconut?" She sighed. "It's okay. It happens to the best of us." She added, "Or maybe you're waiting for another class. In which case, you're early. What are you, some kind of stalker? It's okay. I won't prosecute, if you won't. ... I do also want to say, that, technically speaking, like many college classes, this class is technically open to the public. In which, I ask, why are you here? Do you love me that much? Or, dare I say, are you interested in... reading... books?" Ms. Inocente displayed an expression of fake shock. "Who reads books, nowadays? When we have... The Internet!" Ms. Inocente gestured. "This is why your brains are all mush nowadays. ... But I will turn you brains into... Delicious scrambled eggs."
Virginia noticed that there was a boy in the class who appeared to be listening to music. Ms. Inocente said, "Earphones out, please." And gestured for those that were unable to hear her. The boy removed his earphones. Ms. Inocente explained, "You can listen to music after class, or during individual assignments. But while I'm talking, please keep your ears open."
Virginia asked the aforementioned boy, "What were you listening to?"
The boy nervously answered, "Um... Deathcore?"
Virginia looked at the album art on the boy's device. Virginia told him, "That band sxcks. Try listening to some Techdeath instead."
The boy nervously replied, "Um... okay..."
Professor Inocente wrote some more on the board. "Here is my approximate schedule for today. Which I assume should be the same schedule for the rest of this week, unless things change."
08:00 AM: Intro to World Literature
08:45 AM: Break / Counseling
09:00 AM: Intro to Psychology
09:45 AM: Break / Counseling
10:00 AM: Intro to Religious Studies
10:45 AM: Break / Counseling
11:00 AM: Lunch Break
12:30 PM: Staff Meetings / Grading
01:30 PM: Off-Work
Profesor Inocente explained: "You are currently in my Intro to World Literature class. If you are interested in taking one of my other classes. Because you enjoy listening to my lovely voice. And/or suffer from some form of insanity. Please see me during counseling. As for what you can expect in my other classes... In my Psychology class, we will explain how the human mind works. And why people's brains are all messed up. In my Religious Studies class, we will be talking about religion. We will learn about your beloved Christianity. Because everyone needs to feel guilty sometimes; it builds character. We will continue the living memory of Judaism. Because no one should be forced to live in a tiny area, while being under constant threat of extermination by a militaristic government. Wait a minute... And we will strive to understand Islam. A religion of peace. And, I assure you, only 1% of the time, going kaboom." ... Feeling like she may have offended someone or other, Ms. Inocente followed this by saying, "Peace be upon you," and the equivalents in Hebrew and Arabic. Virginia did not really hate anyone in particular; illustrated by her placement of various scriptures in places of honor in the classroom. However, she did experience a level of skepticism, which sometimes descended into cruel humor. "We will also be discussing Hinduism, Buddhism, and whatever else."
Profesor Inocente quickly transitioned. "But, let's focus on the class you are in right now."
Profesor Inocente explained: "Welcome to my Intro to World Literature class. That is ENGLISH 202 for the community college. And for the high school, that is ENGLISH 4, HONORS. If you complete this class, you will be eligible for college credit, which is transferrable." She turned toward the older looking students. "If you are here from the college, this is a required class for all Humanities majors." She turned toward the younger looking students. "And for everyone here from the high school. You must be smart little gremlins. ... Either that, or poor little drones, trying to make your mommy and daddy happy. I don't know. I think most of you are going to be juniors and seniors. Maybe a few freshmen or sophomores. If you're some kind of a super-genius. ... Or maybe you're a poor romantic. Shunned by society. Suffering patiently. ...Until you kill someone!" There was an awkward silence. Virginia continued nervously, "Ha ha. Just kidding. Not speaking from personal experience, there." Virginia stared psychopathically at her students, and then clasped her hands in a prayer-like posture.
"Any-way..."
Virginia motioned to seated students. "Welcome, welcome. Please make sure that you are in the right class. This is World Literature. If this is your first time taking this class... congratulations on the first step of your college journey. If you have already taken this class before... What happened? Did you fail? If so, I'm sorry. We'll try to make it better this time. Otherwise... What happened? Why are you here? Did you get hit on the head with the coconut?" She sighed. "It's okay. It happens to the best of us." She added, "Or maybe you're waiting for another class. In which case, you're early. What are you, some kind of stalker? It's okay. I won't prosecute, if you won't. ... I do also want to say, that, technically speaking, like many college classes, this class is technically open to the public. In which, I ask, why are you here? Do you love me that much? Or, dare I say, are you interested in... reading... books?" Ms. Inocente displayed an expression of fake shock. "Who reads books, nowadays? When we have... The Internet!" Ms. Inocente gestured. "This is why your brains are all mush nowadays. ... But I will turn you brains into... Delicious scrambled eggs."
Virginia noticed that there was a boy in the class who appeared to be listening to music. Ms. Inocente said, "Earphones out, please." And gestured for those that were unable to hear her. The boy removed his earphones. Ms. Inocente explained, "You can listen to music after class, or during individual assignments. But while I'm talking, please keep your ears open."
Virginia asked the aforementioned boy, "What were you listening to?"
The boy nervously answered, "Um... Deathcore?"
Virginia looked at the album art on the boy's device. Virginia told him, "That band sxcks. Try listening to some Techdeath instead."
The boy nervously replied, "Um... okay..."
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 07 Part 03:
Virginia addressed the class in general: "So, what are we doing today? Today, we will be speaking about world literature. Specifically, the focus will be on 'moral literature'. But, before that, let me collect your homework. As you may or may not recall, I gave you an assignment to start writing on your first day of class. Due today. An assignment, this early in the year? How absurd. But, come on, it was only one or two pages. It's not going to <k<i<l<l< >y>o>u>. I know that not all of you did it. ... That's okay. I know, sometimes life comes up. ... Or, as it may be, death." She paused with consideration of recent events that the students may or may not have been aware of. Virginia said, "I hope that you used the first few minutes of class, before I got here, to at least write something down." Virginia tried to check on each of the students to make sure at least most of them had written a page.
Virginia instructed, "Okay, pass them up. Up, up, up." She went to the front of each row to collect papers. In turn, putting each in a stack on her desk.
Ms. Inocente explained, regarding the assignment, "This is more for your benefit, than mine. There are no right answers." Then Ms. Inocente said, in summary: "I earlier asked you to write an essay. About what? An essay about your life goals. What do you plan on doing with your life. In the next year. And in general. What are your dreams? What are your aspirations? This could be anything. I won't judge you. Unless you wrote nothing. But even then, I'm sure you have something going on. Talk to me after class."
Ms. Inocente had given the same assignment for her English class, last year.
[OOC Note: I'm trying my best to guess how each student would be. Let me know how I'm doing.]
One of Ms. Inocente's students had been Luca Thornby (
c0fi
).
Luca had matched the expected word count of the assignment exactly. Luca had written, in extreme detail, about his plans for the future, with a focus on his education and future career. [See Luca's intro.]
Virginia never really got along with Luca. There was not really a problem with Luca. And there was nothing bad between them. But the difference in personality was too much.
Instead of the stereotypical "F: Try Harder.", Virginia had given him a grade of "A"; with the added note of "Try Less Hard, Actually. You're going to have a heart attack."
In her comments on Luca as a student, Ms. Inocente had said: Spelling and grammar, good. Organization, excellent. "However, I think Luca should focus more on creativity. It's also okay to experience emotions. ... Best regards, from Ms. Inocente."
With Luca's permission, Ms. Inocente would use Luca's writing as an example for future students. For one possible approach, but not the only way that one can do things.
Another previous student of Ms. Inocente, had been Ronan (
Sonderlandt
). Ronan had previously sat in an English 3 class, instructed by Ms. Inocente. And it seemed that Ronan had returned for Ms. Inocente's English 4 Honors / World Literature class.
While Ms. Inocente was reluctant to show preference for any student, Virginia did feel some form of kinship with Ronan for their similarly chaotic nature. As Ronan had ADHD, Ms. Inocente felt like Ronan would sometimes struggle to focus in class. However, Ms. Inocente, by means of discourse about seemingly unrelated topics, always seemed to bring Ronan's attention back to the main topic; a master skill for any teacher.
Ms. Inocente said, "Kids are smart. You just have to know how to talk to them."
Ms. Inocente had felt impressed at the apparent combination of love of nature and academics for Ronan; she had referred to him as "an athlete and a scholar".
Ms. Inocente had occasionally recommended books to Ronan and other students; one relevant book was "Into the Wild", although, she commented, "Don't make the same mistakes as that guy." She had a further list of books which included things like London, and Thoreau, although, she had not actually read all of them herself. "Unfortunately," Virginia said, "I fear I do not have enough time to read all of the books in the world."
Virginia instructed, "Okay, pass them up. Up, up, up." She went to the front of each row to collect papers. In turn, putting each in a stack on her desk.
Ms. Inocente explained, regarding the assignment, "This is more for your benefit, than mine. There are no right answers." Then Ms. Inocente said, in summary: "I earlier asked you to write an essay. About what? An essay about your life goals. What do you plan on doing with your life. In the next year. And in general. What are your dreams? What are your aspirations? This could be anything. I won't judge you. Unless you wrote nothing. But even then, I'm sure you have something going on. Talk to me after class."
Ms. Inocente had given the same assignment for her English class, last year.
[OOC Note: I'm trying my best to guess how each student would be. Let me know how I'm doing.]
One of Ms. Inocente's students had been Luca Thornby (
c0fi
).Luca had matched the expected word count of the assignment exactly. Luca had written, in extreme detail, about his plans for the future, with a focus on his education and future career. [See Luca's intro.]
Virginia never really got along with Luca. There was not really a problem with Luca. And there was nothing bad between them. But the difference in personality was too much.
Instead of the stereotypical "F: Try Harder.", Virginia had given him a grade of "A"; with the added note of "Try Less Hard, Actually. You're going to have a heart attack."
In her comments on Luca as a student, Ms. Inocente had said: Spelling and grammar, good. Organization, excellent. "However, I think Luca should focus more on creativity. It's also okay to experience emotions. ... Best regards, from Ms. Inocente."
With Luca's permission, Ms. Inocente would use Luca's writing as an example for future students. For one possible approach, but not the only way that one can do things.
Another previous student of Ms. Inocente, had been Ronan (
Sonderlandt
). Ronan had previously sat in an English 3 class, instructed by Ms. Inocente. And it seemed that Ronan had returned for Ms. Inocente's English 4 Honors / World Literature class.While Ms. Inocente was reluctant to show preference for any student, Virginia did feel some form of kinship with Ronan for their similarly chaotic nature. As Ronan had ADHD, Ms. Inocente felt like Ronan would sometimes struggle to focus in class. However, Ms. Inocente, by means of discourse about seemingly unrelated topics, always seemed to bring Ronan's attention back to the main topic; a master skill for any teacher.
Ms. Inocente said, "Kids are smart. You just have to know how to talk to them."
Ms. Inocente had felt impressed at the apparent combination of love of nature and academics for Ronan; she had referred to him as "an athlete and a scholar".
Ms. Inocente had occasionally recommended books to Ronan and other students; one relevant book was "Into the Wild", although, she commented, "Don't make the same mistakes as that guy." She had a further list of books which included things like London, and Thoreau, although, she had not actually read all of them herself. "Unfortunately," Virginia said, "I fear I do not have enough time to read all of the books in the world."
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 07 Part 04:
Presently, Ms. Inocente returned to the front of the class. She took off her jacket, hanging it up, with patches still visible.
This revealed a curvaceous, feminine figure, although, she had almost no skin showing.
Ms. Inocente wore a black dress top, with a dull brown pleated skirt, white thighhigh socks, and white gloves. Completed with her regular black combat boots. The gloves were not too unusual in these parts, as Vermont did get very cold; however, Ms. Inocente did insist on wearing gloves, even indoors, and in warm weather.
Other than the boots, her outfit had a rather feminine appearance. Which was kind of an oddity in modern times, even in relatively conservative Elden Hollows.
As for whether Virginia passed as a woman: For a few years now, she had successfully passed as a female. Meanwhile, as for whether she passed as a human, was a different question...
When Virginia reached her seat, again, after sitting down, she covered her face and quietly screamed.
There was something different about Ms. Inocente today.
(Flashback to circa 2018.)
When Ms. Inocente had first arrived in Elden Hollows, about a year ago, she was very quiet. She did not talk much. When she did talk, she was extremely polite. Whenever she bumped into someone, she said, "Excuse me," even if it was someone else's fault. She looked like she was made to be a librarian.
When she told someone at the police station about her record. "Um, I'm required to inform you that..." Their response was: "You've got to be kidding me."
Nobody really noticed Ms. Inocente for a while. People in Elden Hollows normally noticed newcomers. City people had a different look about them. But, most people did not notice Ms. Inocente when she first arrived. They just eventually realized that she existed.
Dressed in a heavy knit sweater, and a very long skirt, Ms. Inocente looked like she had always lived in Elden Hollows. She had the energy of being some kind of poor old lady, if not for her young face.
When Ms. Inocente first started in her new role as a teacher, she was very shy and reserved. She seemed more acquainted with books, than people. She struggled to talk to students. However, as Ms. Inocente gradually gained the confidence to speak with others, they found her to be a very kind and caring lady. Someone who could seemingly sympathize with the pain of anyone. Someone that always offered careful and sagacious advice. And, as people came to appreciate Ms. Inocente more, Ms. Inocente recognized more her role in the community. She would eventually say, "If you need anything, anything at all, come to me. I'll be your guardian angel."
As time went on, Ms. Inocente began dressing and acting more boldly; but still, with the same real kindness. The younger people in town appreciated Ms. Inocente's "realness". She did not cover up things, like some adults. She did not pretend that everything was OK. She really cared about people.
(Back to present, circa 2019.)
The first few days of the school year, Ms. Inocente had tried to be very respectable and professional. A model teacher.
But there was something different about Ms. Inocente, today. She was always a little strange. But, today... She seemed more... unhinged.
Of course, she had some weird moments. This was not the first time this had happened. You never knew which version of Ms. Inocente you were going to get. That was her charm, or, perhaps, danger. A lot of people did think she was entertaining.
But, even then, her expression was different today.
More offensive. Or, perhaps, defensive.
Something was wrong. Whether from internal traumas or external events from this morning.
New students would not have as much reason to care. But for returning students, there could be some reason for concern.
This revealed a curvaceous, feminine figure, although, she had almost no skin showing.
Ms. Inocente wore a black dress top, with a dull brown pleated skirt, white thighhigh socks, and white gloves. Completed with her regular black combat boots. The gloves were not too unusual in these parts, as Vermont did get very cold; however, Ms. Inocente did insist on wearing gloves, even indoors, and in warm weather.
Other than the boots, her outfit had a rather feminine appearance. Which was kind of an oddity in modern times, even in relatively conservative Elden Hollows.
As for whether Virginia passed as a woman: For a few years now, she had successfully passed as a female. Meanwhile, as for whether she passed as a human, was a different question...
When Virginia reached her seat, again, after sitting down, she covered her face and quietly screamed.
There was something different about Ms. Inocente today.
(Flashback to circa 2018.)
When Ms. Inocente had first arrived in Elden Hollows, about a year ago, she was very quiet. She did not talk much. When she did talk, she was extremely polite. Whenever she bumped into someone, she said, "Excuse me," even if it was someone else's fault. She looked like she was made to be a librarian.
When she told someone at the police station about her record. "Um, I'm required to inform you that..." Their response was: "You've got to be kidding me."
Nobody really noticed Ms. Inocente for a while. People in Elden Hollows normally noticed newcomers. City people had a different look about them. But, most people did not notice Ms. Inocente when she first arrived. They just eventually realized that she existed.
Dressed in a heavy knit sweater, and a very long skirt, Ms. Inocente looked like she had always lived in Elden Hollows. She had the energy of being some kind of poor old lady, if not for her young face.
When Ms. Inocente first started in her new role as a teacher, she was very shy and reserved. She seemed more acquainted with books, than people. She struggled to talk to students. However, as Ms. Inocente gradually gained the confidence to speak with others, they found her to be a very kind and caring lady. Someone who could seemingly sympathize with the pain of anyone. Someone that always offered careful and sagacious advice. And, as people came to appreciate Ms. Inocente more, Ms. Inocente recognized more her role in the community. She would eventually say, "If you need anything, anything at all, come to me. I'll be your guardian angel."
As time went on, Ms. Inocente began dressing and acting more boldly; but still, with the same real kindness. The younger people in town appreciated Ms. Inocente's "realness". She did not cover up things, like some adults. She did not pretend that everything was OK. She really cared about people.
(Back to present, circa 2019.)
The first few days of the school year, Ms. Inocente had tried to be very respectable and professional. A model teacher.
But there was something different about Ms. Inocente, today. She was always a little strange. But, today... She seemed more... unhinged.
Of course, she had some weird moments. This was not the first time this had happened. You never knew which version of Ms. Inocente you were going to get. That was her charm, or, perhaps, danger. A lot of people did think she was entertaining.
But, even then, her expression was different today.
More offensive. Or, perhaps, defensive.
Something was wrong. Whether from internal traumas or external events from this morning.
New students would not have as much reason to care. But for returning students, there could be some reason for concern.
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 07 Part 05:
Viewpoint: Virginia Inocente
Location: Old Academy Building (Elden High School and Community College)
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0820.
Virginia finished crying into her hands. And then, Virginia, her hands holding her face, almost seemed to literally put on a new face.
Trying to become the professional Ms. Inocente.
Ms. Inocente put on her glasses. She rose from her chair with mechanical precision. And with an acrobat's grace, stepped over to the board.
"Let's begin." She said quietly.
Ms. Inocente scribed upon the board several words in neat, precise handwriting.
Among them: "MORAL LITERATURE"
"Scripture"
"Dante"
"Charles Dickens"
And some more as she continued to speak.
Facing the class, Ms. Inocente projected herself in an even tone. Ms. Inocente began today's lecture: "Today we will be talking about 'Moral Literature'. What is 'moral literature'? Moral literature, simply speaking, refers to literature with a moral. That is, a book or story, intended to teach someone what is good and bad. Or, in more neutral sociological terms: To impress conformance, and to shun deviance." She paused to allow for student comprehension, then continued:
"There are many examples of moral literature. The most famous is The Bible. In The Bible, The Lord speaks to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and issues the Ten Commandments describing what the people should do, and not do. 'Thou shalt not kill,' and so on. Originally issued to the Israelites, the Ten Commandments have been extended by Christians to be a kind of universal guidance for humanity. This story, of course, originally comes from The Torah, the holy book of the Jewish people. Similar pronouncements occur in The Quran, taken by Muslims to be the revealed Word of God. These are all examples of religious scripture. And I am sure that most of you are familiar with at least some of them, in some form." She paused again, then continued:
"However, religious scripture is not the only form of moral literature. Today, we will be focusing on the other kinds. What may be called 'modern' moral literature distinguishes itself from religious scripture in this way: While religious scripture is considered to be the revealed word of a deity to a prophet; or else, the collected traditions of an entire ancient people over time; ... contrastingly, modern moral literature is primarily the work of a single normal human being; usually a historically attested person, who lived in a definite time and place. Furthermore, rather than representing absolute truth, modern moral literature is intended to reflect the opinions of that particular author."
Ms. Inocente clarified, "Although modern moral literature is not religious scripture, that is not to say it is non-religious or anti-religious. Indeed, the authors often utilize references to religion. As we shall see in the following example."
Ms. Inocente began the first example: "Let us first bring our attention to Dante. Dante was a man living in Italy, and though he lived in what we today might consider has medieval times, he very much would have considered himself to be living in modern times. This was a period of social change in Italy, the beginning of what would later be called, 'The Renaissance'. Dante is most widely known as the author of 'The Divine Comedy', the fictional journey of the protagonist, also called 'Dante', through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The most famous part is 'The Inferno', which describes Hell. Because, you people always seem to prefer punishment to redemption. Which I have... opinions... on. What many people don't know, was that Dante, was also a politician. And many of the punishments that he describes in Hell, are in fact his punishments for his political opponents, for their perceived moral failings."
Ms. Inocente commented, for the younger people in the audience, "What a judgmental guy, huh? The Inferno is kind of the original diss track." She smiled lightly. "If you can work past the difficult language, you may find that a lot of these authors, are in fact, very funny." She then went back to her professional demeanor.
"Another example," Ms. Inocente continued, "Is Charles Dickens. If Dante was the most influential author of Renaissance Italy, then Charles Dickens may be said to have been the most influential author of Victorian Britain. Charles Dickens was a social activist, and a famous figure in his own time. Charles Dickens was outspoken against the perceived social evils of his time; chief among them being child labor, and the ceaseless pursuit of money. One famous book of his is, 'A Christmas Carol'. But he wrote many other books, as well."
Location: Old Academy Building (Elden High School and Community College)
Date and Time: 2019 September 3rd
Around 0820.
Virginia finished crying into her hands. And then, Virginia, her hands holding her face, almost seemed to literally put on a new face.
Trying to become the professional Ms. Inocente.
Ms. Inocente put on her glasses. She rose from her chair with mechanical precision. And with an acrobat's grace, stepped over to the board.
"Let's begin." She said quietly.
Ms. Inocente scribed upon the board several words in neat, precise handwriting.
Among them: "MORAL LITERATURE"
"Scripture"
"Dante"
"Charles Dickens"
And some more as she continued to speak.
Facing the class, Ms. Inocente projected herself in an even tone. Ms. Inocente began today's lecture: "Today we will be talking about 'Moral Literature'. What is 'moral literature'? Moral literature, simply speaking, refers to literature with a moral. That is, a book or story, intended to teach someone what is good and bad. Or, in more neutral sociological terms: To impress conformance, and to shun deviance." She paused to allow for student comprehension, then continued:
"There are many examples of moral literature. The most famous is The Bible. In The Bible, The Lord speaks to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and issues the Ten Commandments describing what the people should do, and not do. 'Thou shalt not kill,' and so on. Originally issued to the Israelites, the Ten Commandments have been extended by Christians to be a kind of universal guidance for humanity. This story, of course, originally comes from The Torah, the holy book of the Jewish people. Similar pronouncements occur in The Quran, taken by Muslims to be the revealed Word of God. These are all examples of religious scripture. And I am sure that most of you are familiar with at least some of them, in some form." She paused again, then continued:
"However, religious scripture is not the only form of moral literature. Today, we will be focusing on the other kinds. What may be called 'modern' moral literature distinguishes itself from religious scripture in this way: While religious scripture is considered to be the revealed word of a deity to a prophet; or else, the collected traditions of an entire ancient people over time; ... contrastingly, modern moral literature is primarily the work of a single normal human being; usually a historically attested person, who lived in a definite time and place. Furthermore, rather than representing absolute truth, modern moral literature is intended to reflect the opinions of that particular author."
Ms. Inocente clarified, "Although modern moral literature is not religious scripture, that is not to say it is non-religious or anti-religious. Indeed, the authors often utilize references to religion. As we shall see in the following example."
Ms. Inocente began the first example: "Let us first bring our attention to Dante. Dante was a man living in Italy, and though he lived in what we today might consider has medieval times, he very much would have considered himself to be living in modern times. This was a period of social change in Italy, the beginning of what would later be called, 'The Renaissance'. Dante is most widely known as the author of 'The Divine Comedy', the fictional journey of the protagonist, also called 'Dante', through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. The most famous part is 'The Inferno', which describes Hell. Because, you people always seem to prefer punishment to redemption. Which I have... opinions... on. What many people don't know, was that Dante, was also a politician. And many of the punishments that he describes in Hell, are in fact his punishments for his political opponents, for their perceived moral failings."
Ms. Inocente commented, for the younger people in the audience, "What a judgmental guy, huh? The Inferno is kind of the original diss track." She smiled lightly. "If you can work past the difficult language, you may find that a lot of these authors, are in fact, very funny." She then went back to her professional demeanor.
"Another example," Ms. Inocente continued, "Is Charles Dickens. If Dante was the most influential author of Renaissance Italy, then Charles Dickens may be said to have been the most influential author of Victorian Britain. Charles Dickens was a social activist, and a famous figure in his own time. Charles Dickens was outspoken against the perceived social evils of his time; chief among them being child labor, and the ceaseless pursuit of money. One famous book of his is, 'A Christmas Carol'. But he wrote many other books, as well."
Dreamer99
(sum kinduv alien?)
IC Scene 07 Part 06:
(End of My Intro)
Ms. Inocente continued, "These are just some examples of moral literature. There is not a strict definition. Works may be more overtly political. Or even contain elements of science fiction. For example, George Orwell's 1984. Which could be seen as having a moral against the excesses of government control. Even seemingly immoral or anti-moral literature, could be interpreted as moral literature. For example, the works of the Marquis de Sade, could be seen as examples of what not to do. School regulations do not permit me to describe what happens in those books. But, I'm not going to stop you from reading them." Ms. Inocente placed her gloved hand on her hip, her other gloved hand cradling her face. She smiled and winked.
...
Transitioning to a prayerful posture, Ms. Inocente concluded: "So... What am I going to make you do? Your assignment for the next few weeks, will be the following. Please get out your reading papers, which I gave you last session. Some of you have already read them. These contain excerpts from Dante, Charles Dickens, and other authors. You will choose one of them, or another author, to complete a project on." She gestured explanatorily. "In this project, you will: 1. Read a book. 2. Determine its moral message. 3. Say whether you agree or disagree with this message. And 4. Compare it to recent events in the modern world. Which can be things happening in this country, or even things happening in this very town."
Staring at every student in turn, Ms. Inocente addressed them, "How is this relevant to you? You will soon see that it is very relevant to you. Books do not live 'in there'. Books live 'out here'. And, as a famous person once told me: 'Books save lives. So keep reading.'"
Ms. Inocente sat down. Ms. Inocente told the class: "Whenever you are ready, please talk to me, about what you plan to complete your project on. Just a brief conversation. Or, place a note on my desk. After that, you may leave."
(
Sonderlandt
)
(
c0fi
)
[OOC Note: I have tried to write this, so that Ronan has a reason to get more involved in things happening around Elden Hollows. And, if the GM wants, there could be a weird sort of meta-fictional parallel between the book Ronan chooses, and the events that happen in town.]
[OOC Note: With the free time at the end of class, this is an opportunity for former students like Luca, etc. to talk to Ms. Inocente and ask for advice. They might have come into the class and been waiting during the lecture.]
[OOC Note: Also, you're welcome to retcon in a parallel scene or a reaction for an earlier scene.]
...
Transitioning to a prayerful posture, Ms. Inocente concluded: "So... What am I going to make you do? Your assignment for the next few weeks, will be the following. Please get out your reading papers, which I gave you last session. Some of you have already read them. These contain excerpts from Dante, Charles Dickens, and other authors. You will choose one of them, or another author, to complete a project on." She gestured explanatorily. "In this project, you will: 1. Read a book. 2. Determine its moral message. 3. Say whether you agree or disagree with this message. And 4. Compare it to recent events in the modern world. Which can be things happening in this country, or even things happening in this very town."
Staring at every student in turn, Ms. Inocente addressed them, "How is this relevant to you? You will soon see that it is very relevant to you. Books do not live 'in there'. Books live 'out here'. And, as a famous person once told me: 'Books save lives. So keep reading.'"
Ms. Inocente sat down. Ms. Inocente told the class: "Whenever you are ready, please talk to me, about what you plan to complete your project on. Just a brief conversation. Or, place a note on my desk. After that, you may leave."
(
Sonderlandt
)(
c0fi
)[OOC Note: I have tried to write this, so that Ronan has a reason to get more involved in things happening around Elden Hollows. And, if the GM wants, there could be a weird sort of meta-fictional parallel between the book Ronan chooses, and the events that happen in town.]
[OOC Note: With the free time at the end of class, this is an opportunity for former students like Luca, etc. to talk to Ms. Inocente and ask for advice. They might have come into the class and been waiting during the lecture.]
[OOC Note: Also, you're welcome to retcon in a parallel scene or a reaction for an earlier scene.]
(End of My Intro)
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