PLAY THE GAME?

but ngl i am kind of thinking about it suddenly... both of them are kind of performers in a sense, putting on an elegant (of sorts) facade, and they both have complicated relationships with the idea of the "self" and identity too... plus sort of having connections to crime (or well, in richard's case, through association w/ the sterling family.)

Wendy must admit that Demi's profession seems like an interesting job - one with a good story never too far away. The idea of a cheating scandal makes her stomach twist, just for a moment, as she thinks of the wedding she'd attended not too long ago... but it's only a passing discomfort, one she's able to quickly dismiss as she focuses back on what she's here for.

"Hmm... well, I can't pretend I'm not interested." she begins, pausing only slightly before she continues. "Then, what about the story that struck you the most? Something that stayed with you, even when you thought you'd heard it all before."

Wendy's fingers lightly drift along the table's surface, absent-minded as she anticipates Demi's answer. This isn't like Wendy at all, really - when it comes to things outside of her work, it's rare for her to show much interest. But... time in the manor changes everyone, and Wendy is no exception to that rule. Something has drawn her towards Miss Bourbon, and Wendy is a researcher at heart - why wouldn't she investigate the pull?

"Or if not that, then something about yourself, instead. You're a rather curious person, Miss Bourbon... I don't doubt you have some stories of your own, as well."

like, her shame at causing problems for her family and implied desire to help, plus her inability to fit in and "be normal" in the adult world especially......... they both still resonate with me a lot, though i think because of that i'll have to be careful not to project too much and like. overstate the importance of those aspects in relation to everything else?? if that makes sense.

but also, i still have a bit of trouble getting inside her head. like... the world in her imagination is clearly so important to her, but as for why she refuses to communicate through words as well, i'm not super clear?? WHICH IS NOT ME SAYING IT'S A PROBLEM or that she's doing anything wrong! i'm just trying to get into her head and figure out why exactly it's so hard for her to "grow up", like from her perspective. especially when she clearly suffers so much from people not understanding her... i'm working on figuring out exactly what she's thinking and her thought process, ig. i want to get my portrayal right, if i can.

also the incident implied in her trailer and last deduction - what was that!? i'm so curious, there are obviously some super spooky/shady implications but i'm not actually sure what exactly it is she did. kidnapping, murder? there were clearly other living people involved (see: her deductions), but why didn't they reveal what happened? I WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING.......

To Emma Woods, the memories of the time she spent in the orphanage of her childhood are distant - the simple tail-end of a period of her life that holds little relevance to her now. At least... that's how things appear to be. But Lisa Beck could never forget. Whether they're scattered puzzle pieces or clear, uninterrupted moments in her mind, those memories will always be part of who she is - after all, her memories are what formed the person she is today.

And the past, she's long since learned, isn't something that can truly escaped. Even if you try to put it behind you, it'll always come back, just like weeds do in a garden - except no amount of persistence will be enough to keep the past at bay. But it's not always something she resents. There are memories and lessons she's learned, things she knows only because of what she's experienced, and they're valuable, too... besides, there's no point on dwelling on things that can't be changed.

That's what she's always thought. But still... it's hard not to feel dissatisfied. Her new life should've been a fresh start, and yet despite her physical escape from the place that hurt her so much, it often feels like she isn't truly free at all.

Is it the same for Mr. Brand? Emma doesn't know him well except in passing - through stories of bravery and praises whispered by adults that don't really tell her a thing. His past, too, must've made him the person he is now. But what she's not sure about is whether that could ever be enough for them to understand each other, in the end.

"Mr Brand. I'm so sorry for the trouble - but also, thank you for your help! I can't imagine why anyone would say such horrible things..."

and emma and cleo with their seemingly innocent, carefree personalities that hide sadness underneath, although emma is much more self aware and intentional about it - and the more unsettling parts of them hidden underneath.......