───── Location: The Beach
───────── (Sometime in the past)
(It's cold.)
(Loud, too.)
(What's going on?)
Hey! Sir? Sir?
(.. God? Is that you?)
(Wood and debris are lifted off my body, bright lights blind me for a moment.)
(I'm too lazy to move, but..)
(The cottage, it's..)
(He's not responding.. is he dead?)
Sir, are you alright?
(Who's this guy?)
(shines a bright pen light in ???'s eyes)
..What are you doing?
Oh! Sorry, I thought you were dead!
...
I'm Marquis!
...
(I ignore him, and look around at the ruins of the cottage.)
(It's all been destroyed.)
Oh, yeah.. Uh..
The city was getting rid of this old building to make space for something, but we had no idea you were squatting here! The property was abandoned for so long I guess no one bothered to check..
...
Sir?
What?
Did you hear me?
Yes.
Oh.
Well, we should get you to a hospital. I'm a doctor, by the way! My name is-
I know your name, Marquis.
Oh! Well, here, I'll help you up!
(stands up without his help)
Are you.. not injured? The demolition trucks ran right over you, how are you-
I'm fine. I'll get going.
..!
No no no, I insist we take you to a hospital! Come on, what's your name?
(..Hospital? Demolition?)
(Geez, what year is it?)
(This guy is so meddlesome, too.)
(Well, I'll tag along for now..)
(...I've been asleep for so long, what's my name again?)
...I don't remember my name.
Oh! Well, is your ID somewhere in the rubble?
..?
You know, an ID card? Identification..?
... (shakes his head)
...
Let's get you to the hospital first, we can sort out the rest later once we make sure you're okay.
───── Location: Carousel Street
───────── (Present day)
(Marquis was the first person I met when I woke up in the ruins of that old beach cottage I was in.)
(He dragged me along and got me on my feet, so I suppose I'm a bit grateful for that.)
(Plus, I'm a little curious to see what he's up to.)
(Also, I'm.. not in the mood to deal with Emile.)
(I quickly avert my eyes from the young man and hurry to catch up with Marquis.)
..? Oh, hello Adler!
I noticed you on the bench, but it looked like you didn't want to be bothered so I didn't greet you. Sorry about that.
It's fine. Where you headed?
(he shakes a paper bag he was holding)
Had to pick up Rowan's medicine. Heading home now.
Why don't you come visit? Maybe you could have dinner with us?
(Rowan..)
(Right, Marquis had a younger brother.)
(He never liked me. I don't know what I did to him, but despite his dislike of me, we get along amicably for the most part.)
(He prefers Emile's company much more. Now that I think about it, Emile might be his only friend.)
Adler?
Huh? Oh.
(I glance over my shoulder. Emile is watching us, a frown on his face.)
(He looked like a kicked puppy...)
...
Sure, I'll have dinner with you guys.
Splendid! Let's get going then.
It's been a while since we hung out, have you been well?
I'm fine. As always.
No pains? It's getting colder, you ought to dress a bit warmer.
Ok. I'll keep that in mind.
Have you been eating well?
Yes.
How has work been?
Fine.
Been keeping your apartment clean?
Yeah.
Oh, good to hear! We should really get you some furniture! Last time I dropped by it was so empty!
It's okay. I don't really need any furniture.
Are you sure? You know you can-
It's fine Marquis.
Do you like your apartment?
I like it well enough.
Anything you're unhappy with?
No.
You know you can always come to me for help, Adler.
I know.
...
(I resist the urge to sigh.)
(Ever since Marquis found and picked me up, he never stopped fussing over me.)
(Are all doctors like this?)
(I kind of feel bad for Rowan. It's only been a few minutes of walking with Marquis and I already feel a bit drained. I don't want to imagine what it must be like to live with this guy your entire life.)
───── Location: Marquis & Rowan's Home
Well, we're home!
Come in, come in! Rowan, I'm home!
...
Rowan?
Rowaan?
(walks up the stairs and knocks on Rowan's door a few times)
Rowan? (knock knock knock knock knock knock knock knock knock knock-)
I heard you the first time!
Oh, how was I supposed to know?
Come downstairs, let's eat dinner. I brought a guest!
The door instantly opened, Rowan poking his head out.
Emile?
No, it's Adler.
... (slowly closes the door)
(pulls the door open)
The brothers quarrel a bit, Marquis having a smile on his face the entire time while Rowan struggles to close his door.
Fine! (lets go of the door)
(Why did I even get my hopes up..)
Sorry about that Adler, you can head to the living room while I cook.
Okay.
───── Location: Marquis & Rowan's Living Room
(Rowan is seated on the sofa, laying down and closing his eyes. When I approach, he sits up and smiles kindly at me.)
Hi Adler!
Hello.
Are you doing well?
Yeah.
Cool, cool.. Do anything lately?
Nope.
Oh..
(This sort of thing happens whenever we're alone together.)
(I can tell he's mad at me, but I don't know what I did.)
...
(Well, I don't care too much.)
...
...
Have you met up with Emile recently?
No.
What do you mean no? Isn't he your neighbor?
He is.
...
...
(lays back down and closes eyes)
(Riveting conversation.)