How To Talk To Your Characters

Hudson - Make An Entrance

"Where to?"

I look at the small square of paper in my hand with the crude drawing of a map. It gives me an approximate area to search, a little broader than what I'm usually directed to, but detailed enough for me to reach my objective. "Southeast."

The man removes his hat briefly to rub the sweaty top of his head. "Two days that way? Ya're sure?"

"That's where it's at."

"Damn, I'm not going that far down..."

"You don't have to take me all the way. I'll trek the rest." I lift my spare bag off the ground. "Am I welcome? Or do I have to find another cart?"

He begins to sweat even more under my gaze. "Of course, of course ya're welcome! Climb on, I'll take ya straight away."

"Much appreciated." I walk to the back of the cart and carefully place my bags on the stack of sacks. Moving one pile out of the way, I climb over the wooden guard and take the now vacant spot.

"All settled back there?"

"Go ahead," I call back. The cart starts up with a few jerky movements, but evens out soon enough.

I'm looking at the map once more when I hear the voice.

Um. Excuse me.

I quickly fold the paper. "Hm?"

Oh. Whoa, that actually worked.

I frown and try peering around the cart at my driver. "What are you talking about?"

"Me?" The man sounds surprised. "I didn't say anything."

No, I'm not him.

The voice again. This time I can tell it's distinctly female, and relatively young by the sound of it. Even with this, I can't tell where the voice is coming from.

"Is there someone else in the cart?" I ask.

"No one beside you an' me."

Nope, not in the cart. You won't be able to see me.

Now the voice sounds amused, laughing at my confusion.

"Well then, where the hell are you?" I mumble under my breath.

In my own world.

"Stop daydreaming."

Would you like to stop existing?

"What?"

Do yourself a favour and keep your mouth shut. Your driver's going to start questioning your sanity soon.

"M-" My sanity is perfectly fine. Why would he wonder about that? I'm sure he can hear this voice, too.

Actually, he can't. It's just you and me.

That's not possible. I can hear the voice clear as day, as if the girl speaking was right beside me. How could the cart driver not hear it.

Is that a serious question? I'm more than happy to answer, but it'll take a while. You sure you're up for that?

I must be tired. The voice has to be a sign of exhaustion. While I would've liked to review the plan I had for when I reach my destination, it's probably best to rest for a while to get rid of whatever film is over my ears.

I sit back and close my eyes, and everything goes silent for a split second. The voice doesn't come back.