- IC CONTACT POST FOR MASKORMENACE -

[slightlyoffchilt]

"Hello.

You've reached the direct line of Doctor Frederick Chilton. As I am not available at the moment, you might assume I'm quite busy with something pressing. State your name and business, and I will return your call."

Comments

[liverletdie]

What? About godhood? Don't you think that's a little too much responsibility for someone like me?

[slightlyoffchilt]

You say that as if mankind has always created responsible gods.

[liverletdie]

Perhaps not, but I don't believe in gods, Doctor. I don't want to become what I don't believe in.

[slightlyoffchilt]

That would imply that you already believe in yourself, as is, which I have reason to doubt the authenticity of.

[liverletdie]

I believe in logic, Doctor. Logic and reasoning. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Then you should logically be able to realize your consuming, crippling patterns.

[liverletdie]

Crippling? You think this is doing me harm?

[ He doesn't believe it. Things are easier in robot mode. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Longterm, yes. And I'm obligated to care, as long as you're paying me for my services.

[liverletdie]

Of course, of course.

What kind of harm do you think it's going to do, in the long run?

[slightlyoffchilt]

People who self-isolate must rely on their own resourcefulness to endure, which admittedly some people are more adept to than others. [Chilton might be speaking about himself, if subconsciously, too.] But over time, that isolation becomes a habit, and habits reinforce neural connections.

[liverletdie]

Which means we're more likely to isolate as an instinct rather than as a habit.
On my own doesn't sound that bad, honestly. Or are you saying I'll regret it when I'm old?

[slightlyoffchilt]

I'm saying, you're evidently a man who likes control, and closure. You're never going to get closure the way you are now.

[liverletdie]

Closure for...? Karla's departure? If it's permanent.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Closure for a relationship. As in, closing the deal on your romantic inclinations, for emotional fulfillment -- which you did not accomplish.

[liverletdie]

I wasn't interested in doing that. We'd only had fun, Doctor, nothing serious.

[ He lies. ]

[slightlyoffchilt]

Really. Have you called her? Recently? Today, yesterday?

[liverletdie]

I attempted to, yes. We had made plans, and she wasn't here.

[slightlyoffchilt]

How many times did you attempt to?

[liverletdie]

[ Three. ] Two. First time I didn't leave a voicemail, but I figured she was just behind.

[slightlyoffchilt]

And what did you feel, during her non-response to you?

[liverletdie]

The same I'd feel if anyone skipped out with me. Disappointed.

[ Moreso than normal, of course. ]

I was looking forward to spending a little time with her, after so long.

[slightlyoffchilt]

After so long? Would you elaborate?

[liverletdie]

We haven't been talking. I thought you knew.

[slightlyoffchilt]

No, she never really discussed you -- period.

[liverletdie]

I should say not. [ He tried not to sound too disappointed. ]

Either way, it doesn't matter now.