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" N-No... I assumed you were my friend. My apologies. "

" Joshua, I have an idea -- " Turning around, the footsteps behind him weren't Joshua's -- instead, someone else's. " ... Um... Hello? "

" I think you'll like it. " It was a harmless story, really. An old Greek parable about not messing with things you should not, or something along those lines. Allen himself had not read it in a while.

The other looked in need of... Comfort? Help? Something. So, with a gentle, small hand, Allen reached up and patted his face. " ... It's ok. "

Last moment he recalled, Allen was not standing before a mirror. So why is this boy exactly like him in every way, shape, and format? Curiously, he moves his arm from his side to sticking straight out at a ninety degree angle, wondering if the other would imitate him like a true reflection.

Another person, standing in his doorway? Strange, they didn't seem like another child... So for now, he'll just pluck a book off his shelf, sit on the edge of his bed, remove his shoes, and begin to read.

" ... Do you want me to read you a story, Chelsy? " His voice was quiet, soft -- scared of making her frightened or jump too much. A book was held in his hands -- a new one, borrowed from the upstairs library. It had a light pink cover this time, with the words ARACHNAE'S TALE inscribed on the side.

Who was this man? Why were they covered in black -- well, goopy looking stuff? At least, he thought it looked goopy... Did Teacher get food all over him again? (And just what was he making if it was black, thick, and goopy?) " Teacher? "

Was this a... New child into the facility? No, no... They looked around Teacher's age. Perhaps a helper? Though Teacher usually preferred working alone.. Nevertheless, Allen stayed quiet, writing in his notebook at his desk. What they were doing in his doorway was beyond him.

" … Not sure… ” To be honest, he’d rather visit a Wonderland. But, not the Dream. The Dream was… Frightening, almost.

    Oh, you can learn a lot of things from the flowers         For especially in the month of June   There's a wealth of happiness and romance              All in the golden afternoon