iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

slinking away to light a cigarette.

000

right. your vow. i’m glad you’ll be resting up. you need it. i still don’t think it would be wise to go out too far, though.

000

and you do not need to. i assure you, there is no need for you to fight against any forces. you need to rest.

000

you’re staying here. there is no more evil over there than there is over here.

000

( but? * ) i’m making an effort to keep you safe. it’s no problem. it’s part of my job.

000

i’m not doubting your ability to walk far. what i am telling you is that i am not allowing you to walk that far.

/ polish arcade is rattling in my brain

000

if you walk too far, you will eventually run into the ocean. at which point, you will need to swim for a long time to reach land again. you absolutely under no circumstances are going to be walking that far.

000

already itching for a break.

000

what are you implying . . .

000

oh! uh, yeah — yeah, you slew that great beast alright. [ forced smile. ]

i’m pretending i don’t know what they’re arguing about for my own peace.

god. i should have gone to bed.

wow. and you said you missed me.

000

i missed you, too. are you doing well?

000

that’s . . . that’s boone?

000

. . . fine. one of the courier’s friends. good luck.

000

/ sorry arcraig forever real in my heart

020

thinking about a man named craig a little too hard.

030

you did. so do you want me here or not?

000

i’m a doctor, technically.

000

don’t thank me. it’s the least i can do.

000

no. i work with plants, mostly. of course, those could become monsters but no, none of mine have.

000

okay. i can do that. if you need anything at all, call me, okay?

000

i’m going to get you water. i know you insist that you’ll be fine, but i want you to be hydrated. do i need to walk you to your bed? you’re welcome.

000

go lay down. i’ll check on you later. do you need anything?

000

. . . you should take a break. i can handle it, i think.

000

ways to make medicine, more or less.

000

i don’t think i trust that.

000

if only lydia was here. good god.

100

that’s — he’s fine. that’s fine. he’ll figure it out.

does anyone need my immediate help right this very moment?

110

. . . oh, god. okay. and i assume none of this involves my own research?

000