the hollow crown

Try to seduce my Muse.

     “ oh, don’t say that. it’s okay ta get home sick every now and then. ”

      ‘ is it? it does not seem like a particularly productive use of their energy. ‘

“You’re a counselor, right? You’re paid to watch these kids cry. Plus, a few tears won’t hurt you. But, don’t worry, I’ve mastered the art of homesick children. All you have to do is be sympathetic. If that’s too hard, pretend.”

    ‘ i thought i was paid to watch them play sports and try to prevent any major injuries. no one mentioned therapy. sympathy isn’t one of my strong suits ; perhaps you should give me some more advice on how to fake it. ‘

      ‘ it is unbearably warm. i think the water might help with that, though, at least a little. ‘

“Adrian, babe, I know it’s hard but maybe have a modicum of human sympathy. You may have to reprogram your mainframe, but remember: we work with literal children.”

     ‘ must i? i understand that they’re very young, but surely even they must know that crying over their parents is pointless? it won’t bring them back. ‘

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‘ Oh they’ll be fine. Besides, we’re counsellors not babysitters ‘

    ‘ cu precizie, we are not their parents. i’m sure you can think of more interesting things we can do. ‘

“Cut them a little slack. Most of them probably haven’t been away from their parents longer than an overnight sleepover at a friend’s house. I’m honestly surprised I haven’t seen more crying.”

         ‘ yes, but must i see them crying for their mothers? what am i supposed to do with crying children, anyhow? they are all wet and sad and i do not want them crying on me. ‘