voice testing

[huntingknife]

Okay, this is stupid. I'm writing things down.

I'm not writing the book. Not anymore. At least, not for now.

I shouldn't even be writing things down.

I just don't know what else to do. Everything is just weighing down on me. The nightmares are getting worse.

So here I go. With a journal thing. A journal thing that could fall into the wrong hands. I should just burn this.

Hannibal knows. He knows more than anyone else. He helped me. And I trust him.

Like those girls trusted me.

I mean, I have to. I don't have a choice. Even if I didn't.

I just need to get out of here.

Comments

[avoirfaim]

Believe me Abigail, I am nothing like those girls, and neither are you. Now, if you would please give me what you've written, so I can dispose of it.

[huntingknife]

I didn't say you could read it. [She's slightly miffed.]

I was gonna burn it.

[avoirfaim]

And I never said I was going to read it. I would simply rather make sure it disappeared myself.

[huntingknife]

Why? You could watch me burn it.
I thought it'd be cathartic.

[infragment]

Dr. Lecter has been nothing but supportive of me, Abigail, even... even when things seem to spiral out of control. He wouldn't do anything to harm you, I'm sure.

[huntingknife]

I know.

He's been nothing but kind to me. They said you both spent a lot of time in my hospital room. While I was unconscious.

[infragment]

Yes, that's true. I was worried about you, after everything that happened. We both were.

[huntingknife]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Between you two, Dr. Bloom and Freddie...
I know it isn't easy. Being around me. I've said it before, but I have to say it again.

[infragment]

It's not... that difficult. You've just had so much happen to you, I didn't want to make you feel crowded. [especially from him in particular. Because he can't help his fatherly feelings, and that's awkward]

[huntingknife]

It's not crowded. It gets lonely. The less people around... The worse it gets, I think.

I need to get out of here.

[infragment]

Where would you want to go?

[huntingknife]

I don't know. Not really. I'm just tired of the hospital. I want to go home, but I don't have one of those anymore. I sold it, and it's not like me going back to Minnesota would be a welcome idea.

[infragment]

You could always... get an apartment. A new place might be good for you. A fresh start.

[huntingknife]

An apartment? By myself? I, uhm, I'm not too sure that's a good idea. Dr. Bloom would never let me, and with my nightmares... [She trails off, pressing her lips together and glancing away sheepishly, as though she were afraid to admit that she still had them.]

[infragment]

I live by myself, Abigal. Well, I have my dogs, but... you know what I mean. [and he also still has nightmares, but he's fairly sure he doesn't need to tell her that]

[huntingknife]

Yeah, but you're older. And you have a job. I should be in college, I don't know anyone here except you all, and there's no way I can hold a job down right now.

[infragment]

What sort of things would you want to study, if you were in college? Maybe we can ask the doctors to let you take online classes.

[huntingknife]

I don't know... I was thinking science for a while, back when I was gonna go to the U of M or maybe Carleton-- I was gonna stay in Minnesota. But now, I'm thinking maybe psychology... So maybe I could help people out like you all have helped me.

[infragment]

I think that's a good idea, Abigail. We'll have to run it by the doctors, but I don't see why you couldn't try it.

[huntingknife]

Really? Thanks. It'd at least give me something to do, if I'm gonna be stuck here.

Hey. What if... What if I moved in with you? I don't want to impose, but you said you lived on your own and dogs would be nice.

[infragment]

You would want to-- really?

[there is a sudden eagerness in his eyes. Of course he wanted her to live with him! He would've suggested it himself if he weren't worried of how she'd respond. But it's her suggestion, so it's something she wants]

I would like that.

[huntingknife]

Really? You would? You're not just saying that because you feel bad for me? [For killing her father?]

I really don't want to inconvenience you. I could ask Hannibal, too, if you'd prefer.

[infragment]

It's not inconvenient. I can't offer you the fancy food or the large home that Dr. Lecter could, but if you really wanted to come I would be happy to have you.

[huntingknife]

It's fine. You saw my house, it's suburban Minnesota. I'm not looking for extravagant. He probably wouldn't want me around, either.

But I guess we'll have to see what Dr. Bloom says...

[infragment]

[the thought of involving Alana makes him a bit nervous. After all, she's aware of his instability. What if she decides that the environment isn't suitable for Abigail? Will wants to believe he can be a stable and reliable guardian for the girl, but he can't deny that there are some issues]

Y..yes. We'll see what she says.

[huntingknife]

[Maybe having Abigail to focus on would help him? Something else other than his job, though, to be honest, she came wrapped up fully in his job, whether they liked it or not.]

I just know I can't stay here. Freddie's not an option, and neither is Dr. Bloom. I'm too old to be adopted, and I don't have any family I can stay with. I'm sure she'll be okay with it. You've been great, Will.

[infragment]

[that gets him to actually smile. It's so rare for a full smile to come on his lips, and it makes him look younger. Less burdened]

Thank you, Abigail.

[huntingknife]

[He's handsome. It's easier to see that, now that he's smiling.] You're welcome.