Quartz Posted June 18, 2020 Posted June 18, 2020 (edited) The screen flickers. Constant voices and angry shouting start to disrupt the calmness of the black screen. Eventually, a face rises from the bottom of the screen. The bloodshot eyes of a man come into view. The sound of a clock ticking can be heard in the background. It grows louder and louder as the man stirs. He starts blinking, attempting to gain a sense of self and consciousness. The background, smothered in black, begins to illuminate. The man's eyes blink one more time, this time the view follows suit. Everything is black. The man's eyes open once again to see what he sees - a lone store front. Dario's. As we zoom out we see the man pull down his hood. The night rain pours on his head. Voice 1: What else do you have to lose? Voice 2: Unwise, but when have you ever been careful? The man grabs his head and stumbles near a pillar, falling into it. He looks through the glass once again and freezes. Voice 1: Pffft. Single minded! Gah' damn, you can't even make THIS decision! Voice 2: Inside is an innocent. The man straightens his posture and walks towards the door. Ding! The bell on the door rings as the man enters the small shop. Voice 1: Look at him stumble around.. I told him to let me handle this. Voice 2: Hmph. Neither of you have what it would have taken. The man stares at the cashier for a moment, before walking down an isle and grabbing his head once more. Voice 1: Keep that trap shut. You and I both know I wouldn't be... here at least. Voice 2: Unfortunately for you, you may be somewhere even worse. Voice 1: !!! The man walks forward into the isle. He walks near a freezer area. A glass door stands between him and various items. He stares into the glass door and sees his reflection. Looking back at him is Inness Quartz. The man in the reflection is perfectly still. Man In The Reflection: What are you doing here? The view shifts suddenly to the man... Who is revealed to be Quartz himself. He looks disheveled... defeated. He closes his eyes once again and speaks to himself in the reflection. Quartz: I don't know. Man In The Reflection: I know. Man In The Reflection: You're here to give up, aren't you? Quartz peers around the small shop. He finds several items during his scan. Bottles, knives, magazines. He looks back into the freezer reflection. Man In The Reflection: ...Just like he did? Quartz: No. It's not the same. The voices inside the man's head continue to argue. Voice 1: ... Voice 2: It sounds like you agree with him. Voice 1: Shut up! You don't know shit! Man In The Reflection: No... You'll keep fighting. We all know you will. You never stop. Even when it never benefits you. Even when it hurts you to do so. You'll keep going. That's your addiction. Quartz suddenly throws a right hand into the freezer window. He throws another hard jab into the glass. As he rears back one last time, he stops just short of the glass. The attendant is suddenly nearby, frozen. Quartz looks around, realizing what he's doing. He sees the attendant standing by him, shouting at him to calm down. Voice 2: Is it self-control? Or sympathy? Voice 1: It's always sympathy with this guy! He's a gah' damn baby! Quartz: ... Quartz turns quickly. He quickly stammers out of the shop. He continues charging forward into the night until he slams into a car. He pulls back, landing on the ground. Voice 1: So many failures. Voice 2: So much success. The view focuses on Quartz, leaning back against a wall. The voices all combine as the scene fades. Voices: I don't think he can handle it. Voices: I don't think I can handle it. Voices: I don't think you can handle it. Voices: I don't think we can handle it. The scene fades to black. Voices: I think it's time to go. Edited June 18, 2020 by Quartz 9 President and leading member of the Paul Pugh Fan Club. We love KidEgo "Choose Tmust" - Maxx Edwards
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