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Your encounter with Va Nee Gast, your “fake” sister’s alter-ego, was an event that you wouldn’t soon forget, if at all. That being said, Vic’s behavior these past few days has been more than a little unusual. Like, she wasn’t hyperventilating, fainting or shaking like a leaf.
You’ve seen her get all bent out of shape about the littlest things, and now that she’s supposedly learned that she’s the fabricated alternate personality of an alien that constructed her out of false memories that she based her entire life around, it’s like…nothing happened at all!
Feeling exasperated, you had no choice but to confront her about this. To your great shock, she shrugged off your concern with a smile and a wave.
<span class="mu-g">“Oh sure, I was freaking out when Van explained everything to me, but I spent a long time stuck in that weird mind-scape she made for the two of us.”</span> she casually said.
“Van”?
<span class="mu-g">“By the way, that place is <span class="mu-i">amazing</span>! It’s like a trigger-free zone that you can retreat into anytime you want.”</span> she continued, preparing lunch in her kitchen without skipping a beat. <span class="mu-g">“Once I calmed down enough to listen, she showed me a little about herself by letting me experience some of her memories, and I let her experience mine. And do you know what I thought when I saw my life flash before my eyes?”</span>
She stopped what she was doing and turned to face you, clearly not willing to wait for a response.
<span class="mu-g">“It was <span class="mu-s">boring</span>!”</span>
You blinked at her in surprise.
<span class="mu-g">“I saw her going on all these crazy space adventures, and when we got to my memories, 90% of it was just me staying in this house, sitting in front of my computer or the TV. Those are like…my only <span class="mu-i">real</span> memories that don't involve me tagging along with you or Rich.”</span>
Her expression was full of regret as she lamented over the time that she’s wasted. It was a topic that you honestly never expected your sister to bring up in a serious conversation.
You just shrugged. <span class="mu-r">“I thought maybe you were happy doing that.”</span>
She gave you an incredulous look. <span class="mu-g">“No! I mean…sure, it was nice to have a cozy little comfort zone, but I like to step outside of it every now and again. I want to have the choice.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“So…you’re finally trying to step outside of your comfort zone?”</span> you concluded.
Her expression suddenly shifted, then. Your sister was positively beaming at you now.
<span class="mu-g">“Better. I’m finally ready to <span class="mu-i">live</span>, Ben. And guess what? According to Van, I’m going to live a really, REALLY long time!”</span> she exclaimed. <span class="mu-g">“And now that I don’t have indescribable fears front-loading my anxiety, I can start making up for lost time.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“And you’re okay with…this whole bizarre situation?”</span> you asked.
(Cont.)