021: VIDEO

[intheblanks]

[The room is dim, but there's enough light for the camera to make out that there's only one person in it, sitting stiffly at the table like an interrogation subject.]

So thanks for the talk, but I reckon cutting me out of your will sent the message clear enough. Couldn't find any 'you're a disappointment' cards?

[Silence replies, but Chase continues the conversation, bitterly.]

I didn't want your money. I never wanted your money. [And he pauses, and something makes him huff a laugh.]

Figured out it was all I was going to get. You don't think I might have wanted to say goodbye?

[Why would he, since-]

I hated you. Didn't mean I didn't still-

Doesn't matter, now. Look, why don't you take this down to the hospital. Probably find someone more interested in listening to your lectures, there. Sign a few copies of your books.

[Another wait for a response that doesn't come, and Chase's tone slips from sarcastic to something dull and flat.]

You don't have a shadow, here.

[A beat. An interruption.]

Sooner be in his than yours.

[And now the silence stretches long. Chase pushes his chair back from the table and stands, but neither party are done talking.]

Allison was wrong about that.

[Barely enough time for the invisible speaker to draw breath.]

Don't want to talk about it. We're not going to talk about it. [But someone doesn't agree and, jaw clenched, despite himself, Chase listens.] Right, and you walked out on two kids and your sick wife. Careful, dad, high ground's looking a little shaky.

[He turns, walking to a counter in the back of the room. The motions, a familiar glug and clink denote drink being poured. He speaks without turning.]

It's under control. Think I'd still have a job right now if I showed up for surgery with shaky hands?

[Pause.]

It's under control.

[Silence.

Silence.

Silence, but for the hard slam of the glass against the back wall. Liquid spilling.]

And maybe I'd prefer to be just like her.

Comments

[intheblanks]

[One he never mentions - and there's been enough opportunity on the subject with her.]

Sister.

[synanthrope]

One you never talk about.

[intheblanks]

One I haven't talked about. I haven't talked about a lot of things.

[Understatement.]

[synanthrope]

Why not?

[intheblanks]

No one asked.

[It's a terse response, sharper than he'd usually be.]

[synanthrope]

You had plenty of opportunity. You know about my siblings.

[intheblanks]

If you were anyone else I'd think you were hurt.

We're not close.

[synanthrope]

I'm curious, not hurt.

[intheblanks]

What would you like to know?

[synanthrope]

Older, or younger?

[intheblanks]

Younger by fourteen years.

[synanthrope]

That's a relatively large difference.

My oldest sister and I are only twelve years apart.

[intheblanks]

She was an insurance baby. Mum made the mistake of thinking it might rekindle some kind of emotional investment. Dad decided he was fine just paying the premiums.

[And none of that is directed at Saya.]

[synanthrope]

Then he should be haunting her, not you.

[intheblanks]

Why's that?

[synanthrope]

Aren't they supposed to try and do damage today?

[intheblanks]

She's not here. I doubt he would be, given the choice.

Anyway, she had her go haunting him, before he died. I raised her for six years, then he got stuck taking a turn.

[synanthrope]

Why did you leave her?

[intheblanks]

Mum died as slowly and messily as she could, and I was exhausted. Couldn't do it anymore.

[Why did you leave her. It's still a wrench.]

It's more than most people would have managed.

[synanthrope]

I see.

[intheblanks]

Everyone has sad stories.

[He thinks he's heard hers.]

I've been trying to figure out whether you're alone or not.

[synanthrope]

My father came to visit.

[intheblanks]

Can't say this place doesn't enjoy digging things up.

[In the pause, his breathing is more audible than it should be.]

You're alright?

[synanthrope]

Of course. Why wouldn't I be?

private;

[intheblanks]

If I answer that, you're going to tell me there's a special place in the umbra where all your dead relatives hang out and play backgammon.