i am glad im alive im glad i can feel things and even if i dont completely like not being able to recognize my own emotions because they feel too big and too strong and like theyre blurring together and fighting each other as they mutate and flash through me i am glad i dont feel empty all the time
every time i open this app i pray to the gods to not encounter some micro aggression and it being called funny and a correct opinion to have and then said gods look down at me and go "nah"
The woman's plum-painted lips break into a smile. "Ah, do you remember me, after all?"
Min straightens his back from his position on the floor, and he scrambles to throw the toys he had been playing with into something that looks more neat, organised, professional. They're toys. He gives up and stands, nudging a car under the coffee table with his foot before folding his hands behind his back.
"Well... only a little," Min confesses, feeling some guilt as though that may be the incorrect answer, but Kismet's smile doesn't falter.
"I see; that's perfectly fine. Only a little or not at all is just the answer I would expect to hear!" Kismet responds in a tone that reminds Min of when he would go to the doctor, and they would cheerfully affirm that everything is perfectly well. She lowers herself to meet his eye level.
"Now... I believe it's finally time I check in with you personally. How have you been managing with your new position? Do you get along well with your peers? Are you fully dedicated to our cause? Do you have the fortitude to continue? Does the Black Moon howl?"
"Yes, to beckon the boy from the stars to come," the words spill out, and he has to physically shake it off with a shake of the head, reorient himself to address the rest. "Um... I'm doing pretty good! I get along with most of them. Some I don't talk to much, but they're the ones who don't come around. The ones that are here, though... they're like my family. I like them. Even Liar, and even Three, even though we disagree on things a lot. As an Overseer, I'm doing my very best, I promise! I believe we're doing what's best to keep reality safe, so I want to do everything I can to make The Foundation the best it can be! And... yeah, I can keep this up. I'm okay."
"Good... good. That's very sweet, Little Brother. I'm glad you've grown so close to your colleagues, and that you aren't too overwhelmed by your obligations. I would like for you to turn that 'believe' into a 'know,' if you would, dear."
"Ah- right, yes, Miss Kismet," Min agrees, feeling warm in the ears. She continues to look at him with a relaxed smile, like the face of a statue in the garden outside, and time passes on the grandfather clock's spinning hands. "I know we're doing what's best to keep reality safe," he amends, and her expression shifts, satisfied with his passing marks. He can breathe easily again.
"Very good. I'm very happy to hear that. You're doing wonderfully, Little Brother. Here, I have something for you," she says, and she produces a plastic-wrapped red lollipop from her skirt pocket, the same colour as the ribbon adorning her throat, handing it to Min. "You needn't abandon or be ashamed of the childish things that bring you joy to be an excellent asset to us. However, I've heard of some childish outbursts, and those, we can do without. Do you understand?"
She doesn't sound angry; she doesn't sound anything but calm and educatory, but that doesn't keep him from stiffening once more under her placid gaze. "Y-yes, Miss Kismet. ... I'll try to act out less. I'm sorry."
"Ah- be intentional with your words, Little Brother," Kismet says, raising a finger.
"I will act out less."
"Very good. I'm very glad we had this opportunity to talk; it's been nice seeing you again, dear." Kismet rises and turns to leave, and Min blurts out a question.
"Kismet, what do you do?"
She chuckles, turning back to Min. "Oh... that question is loaded with many answers. I will give you one. I watch. Just. Like. You." She wags her finger closer to Min's face as she speaks until she boops Min on the nose. "Stay devoted. Stay clever. Stay compassionate in that special way of yours, and you will help us bring glory to The Foundation. Have a good day, child."
And then, she begins to leave once more, and Min does not stop her. He unwraps his treat.
