Henrietta Winters

Hey, Miss! Long time no see you! …If I finish it, will you judge me?

So long as you don’t judge me for asking in the first place.  It has been a minute or two since we’ve seen one another, hasn’t it? What have you been up to, sweetheart?

I thought I’d give it a shot. Kinda weird though, I don’t know how I like it. What do you think?

I’m not sure what counsel I have yet to give, but I’m sure I can stop by. Is something the matter?

I’ve always preferred Henri.  Short and elegant.  Usually when someone calls me Henrietta it’s either to talk down to me, or make fun of me for having the first name of a 90 year old old woman.  Which, coincidentally, Henrietta was my great-great grandmother’s name.  Though Dr. Taylor likes to call me Henrietta and I find myself not minding quite so much when she says it.  Do you have any nicknames?

I don’t think that’s necessary. Like I said, I have a contingency plan for those who do a substandard job. But if you’re still interested despite the overt threat, the shelter is open from 9AM to 4PM every weekday and 10AM to 3PM on Saturdays. If you stop by, they’ll give you whatever supplies they can spare though it’s likely you’ll need to look for some more eventually.

I’ll bring one of my carriers to the shelter tomorrow afternoon to pick up the little rascals.  What are their names?

I appreciate you willingness to share, as well as your candor on the matter. I imagine it can be quite difficult to speak with such frankness, all things considered. That said, I find your point of view incredibly fascinating, to be honest. So, just to clarify, your mark was altered from the start? There was never a point where you had to take Cepraxine, in any capacity? Have you ever felt in irresistible urges to scene, during that time? You don’t seem to exhibit the traits of someone in danger of succumbing to scene addiction, which is quite a promising notion.

Empty how, if I may ask. That seems to be quite the commonality, with those I’ve spoken to who prefer not having to be on Cepraxine. Yet, I’m not sure I quite understand. I know it’s a difficult thing to describe, but I’m quite curious. Though I know I’m not able to relate, fully, I don’t think I’m able to identify the sensation- or lack of- that seems to be a common thread of dissatisfaction.

All the same, your feedback is invaluable, really. It’s fascinating, to hear thing from your perspective, and believe me, I’m taking down your thoughts for further consideration. Further, I can respect your position on the matter of Cepraxine and whether it should be voluntary or not. It seems to be quite the critical issue for majority of voters, and I think it makes all the sense in the world, that you should be opposed to it. To be honest, it’s something that I find myself questioning, for the first time, really. 

I’m a public figure, and a pariah, Miss Corcoran.  Candor is a fact of my life.  My One Great Lie notwithstanding, of course.  I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.

You’re a scientist, Miss Corcoran, nothing is ever cut and dry with data.  There are always many variables to consider, and unfortunately, my life is wrought with variables that puts me far outside your standard Switch cohort. I’ve never taken Cepraxine before this year, and my mark was wrong from the get go.  However, it’s my own theory that I’ve led such an incredibly busy life, that I simply...never had time to devote to my submissive side. I was busy in college, through medical school, residency, practice, then the campaign, and running the city.  Plus, I had a deep connection to my submissive, whom I loved more than anything on this earth.  Caring for her consumed me.  In a sense, my schedule served as my personal V-shot.  In the last two years, after Nora and I split and the Nameless rose to prominence, was when I’d finally began feeling the itch of wanting to submit. So much so that I sought the help of a Switch sex worker while in office.  It’d only gotten worse once things came to a screeching halt upon my arrest.

Empty as in a void of feeling.  I felt nothing.  No excitement, no desire, no arousal.  Nothing.  Imagine looking at a famous artist’s magnum opus, and not reacting to it.  You know in your mind that this piece is incredible, and worthy of awe.  And yet, your emotions are stoic.  You feel nothing.  You want to feel something for the art, but can’t.  Emotions are what make us so vibrant as a species, to be devoid of that...well...it’s not a good thing.  I consider myself very fortunate that I’d only experienced that for a short time.  I cannot speak for my fellow Switches who have been on Cepraxine since receiving their mark.

You always did have a way with words, Henrietta, but I’m certain that’s not actually how heat works. But thank you for your kind words, I promise that the colors won’t be too disgusting.

It was something I picked up in law school as stress relief. I don’t get to do it nearly as much as I used to but I figure since I’m now out of a job temporarily, I might as well do something useful with my time.

Heh, my words are all I have nowadays.  Henrietta? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you use my full name outside of the courthouse.  

And that’s what cycling was for me.  Both during my time in medical school, and at City Hall. Well, might I borrow some of said time this week?  I’m in need of your counsel.

Well I suppose since the only interesting thing I know about you is that you have somehow successfully raised two cats without killing them, I suppose you might be equipped to handle some of the younger idiots. How do you feel about a brother-sister pair? Three months old and when they get going, you’d be amazed at how fucking fast they zoom around.

I’m perfectly happy to foster a bonded pair, but if you’re not comfortable giving me the fosters just yet, you’re welcome to screen me and my home first.

If I were dumb enough to be willing to open the door, absolutely– protection is important. In this instance, it was my mother. An unfortunate lapse in her better judgement, really, but it’s fine. This climate is enough to drive anyone certifiably insane, so she get’s a pass. 

I’m sorry, I don’t follow.  Did something happen to your mother?

I think people are vastly overestimating how good these scarves are going to be. But I’m glad for the confidence people seem to be showing in my previously undiscussed crocheting ability.

And you’re overestimating how much I care for how good the scarf will be.  Knowing it was made with love by a dear friend is what matters more, and is what warms the soul. 

To be honest, I had no idea you liked to crochet.

Don't get offended if I seem absent-minded. Just keep telling me facts and keep making me smile and, Don't get offended if I seem absent-minded. ...I get tongue-tied... Baby, you've got to be more discerning. I've never known what's good for me. Baby, you've got to be more demanding, ...I will be yours