The Shrink Program

Chapter 46

-Two years ago-

I knew that he wouldn't like it.

And that was the greatest understatement of my life.

"Uh, Vain...."

"Yes, Maddison." Vain gave me his attention...

Well actually, he continued walking with his nose buried in a book, but he also let me know that he had included me in his multitasking.

"I've... been thinking..." I started, feeling breathless. I couldn't look at Vain as we spoke, knowing that if I saw his reaction, I wouldn't be able to get the words out. "...you know...
about....challenging Jack."

Over the last couple of months, I had been approached by members of the Hill about defeating the current Jack.

It was only after I witnessed for myself what the Jack of the Hill was capable of, that I considered doing as they asked.

Considered going back on my word to Vain.

It took a few steps for me to realise that Vain had stopped walking beside me. I turned nervously, cringing when I found him frozen behind me.

Silently, he stood in the middle of the sidewalk, forgotten book lowered to his side. He looked at me, waiting for me to continue with an expression that could only be considered numb.

Taking a deep breath, I rushed to justify myself.

"He has to be stopped...Right? Jack's hurting people way beyond what is sane!" I shook my head in frustration. "And if it wasn't all part of some stupid game, I wouldn't have hesitated to kick his ass before now."

I bit my lip.

"If I wasn't afraid of being dragged into the game, I would have done something to stop him."

Finally, I breathed out, feeling myself tremble.

"That's why I think I need to do this. I can't keep letting the King of the Hill stop me from doing what's right."

To be honest, what I feared most about making this decision was not the prospect of facing Jack again. Or joining the Hill.

It was confronting Vain.

I only found the courage to tell him because I knew, I could always count on Vain to take things calmly. To listen and use logic.

I wasn't wrong.

He listened.

Then with utterly calm logic,

He tore me apart.

"You need to do this?" He asked softly, his voice flat.

"The same way you needed to fight my bullies for me? The way you need to fight anyone who upsets you or does something you consider wrong?"

He took a step forward as his voice gained a sharp edge.

"Tell me, Maddison, did being born talented and strong give you the right to judge others and make you responsible for looking, after all, us innocent weaklings?"

I stood frozen, unable to even breathe as he closed the distance between us.

"I don't think so, because the hard truth here, Maddison, is that They don't need your help. They challenge Jack willingly. They know exactly what they are getting into. Every single one of them. The way I see it, you don't have any real reason to interfere at all."