evocation | ⚡ ML INBOX

Lemme put that another way. Were you gonna see if I wanted in on your little plan?

Yeah, I was. But then you decided you didn't care, so I did too.

Well, you can count me out. I got my own shit to deal with here.

Like what, Sam? Are you saying no because you're having a hard time, or because you don't want to be bothered?

[ He gets up entirely, running his hand through his hair as he walks away. Not toward the door, but definitely away. ]

I'm saying no because I'm not here to get volunteered to cut down trees for orphans.

[She just... does not understand this. She can't wrap her head around it, and when he stands up and moves away, she tenses.]

What is the big deal with helping?

Nothing's the big deal. Why's it matter so much if I don't?

Because people need us, and it's the right thing to do?

[She says it questioningly, as though she's not sure if he's serious.]

So you do it.

Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? I don't get it.

Whaddaya mean?

We were talking just fine and now you're shutting down on me.

No, we were talking just fine and then you decided we had to go rescue everyone in New Amsterdam.

I didn't say everyone!

[It comes out indignant, disbelieving.]

I'm just saying we should help, and you're acting like... I don't know. Like some old boomer grumbling about bootstraps or something.

Some old boomer.

[ Okay, first of all, he is Generation X and completely unfamiliar with boomer memes. ]

You wanna help, help people. Have a great time. But I got other plans.

[ Time to stomp over to the vine-drenched safety wall at one edge of the rooftop, crossing his arms as he stares out over the edge. ]

Ughhh.

[It's a long, drawn out sound, and she scrubs her hands over her face.]

What plans? What are your plans?

Not this.

[Why. Why is every dude she knows so emotionally shut down? Kyna sighs again, drags herself up off the bench, and crosses the roof to join him.]

Sam.

[She really, really doesn't want to believe he's just a selfish asshole who doesn't care.]