𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝘌. 𝘔𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯

𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞

ೃ⁀➷

They arrived in Cassie's car where Robin didn't stop complaining. "I can't breathe in this thing, and I'm itchy. I'm itching all over." Cassie also had to change into Nancy's preppy clothes and she too was itching all over.

"It's not all about comfort. Okay? We're academics."

"Who are evidently coming straight from Easter brunch." Cassie complained.

"Also, this bra that you gave me is really pinching my boobs." Robin added

"Okay. Could you two just let me do the talking? If that's even possible?"

"It's not only possible, it's inevitable. Because shortly, I'll be dead from strangulation." Robin attempted to loosen the collar.

"3.9 GPAs. All of you. Impressive." Hatch looked at the papers.

"And this is a recommendation from Professor Brantley." Nancy provided another paper.

"Yeah, I know Larry. Quite well, actually. Eh, you know what they say. Those who can't do, teach." Robin and Cassie chuckled loudly with the man.

"Uh, yes, yes, that's actually why we're here. I mean, we can only learn so much in a classroom." Nancy spoke up.

"Mmm. And I'm sympathetic to your struggle, truly. But there is a protocol to visiting a patient like Victor. You put in a request and then undergo a screening process, at which point the board will make a decision." he pushed the papers forward. "I can see you're disappointed." Hatch sighed. "But I'm more than happy to give you a tour. Perhaps you can even speak to some patients in our low-security wing."

"And we'd... we would love that. It's just that, um, our thesis is due next month."

"And you're out of time. Whose fault is that?" Hatch spoke and Cassie raised a brow.

"Ours. Absolutely. And I do apologize..."

"Don't apologize, Ruth. Screw that." Cassie's and Nancy's eyes widened as they watched Robin speak. "The fact is, we did put in a request months ago and were denied. And then we reapplied and were denied again. And coming here was our last-ditch effort to save our thesis. And I really... I can't breathe in this thing."

"Well, Rose, maybe you'd like to go outside and get some air."

"Maybe I should, Rachel. Because I'm starting to think this whole thing is a colossal mistake. I'm breaking out in a rash. My boobs hurt. And I'll tell you the truth, Anthony. May I call you Anthony? These aren't my clothes. I borrowed them because I wanted you to take us seriously. Because nobody takes girls seriously in this field. They just don't. We don't look the part or whatever. But can I tell you a story? 1978, I was at summer camp. And my counselor Drew told me and everyone in Cabin C the true story of the Victor Creel Massacre. And little Petey McHew... You know Petey, right, Rachel, Ruth?"

"Of... Of course."

"Yeah. Little Petey McHew started sobbing right there on the spot. Full-on hyperventilating. The other campers couldn't sleep for weeks. I couldn't either, but not 'cause I was scared. Because I was obsessed with the question, What would drive a human being to commit such unimaginable acts? Other kids wanted to be astronauts, basketball players, rock stars. But I wanted to be you. I wanted to be you. So, forgive me if I'll now try anything in my power, including wearing this ridiculous outfit, if I might get to speak to the man that ignited my passion and learn a little more about how his twisted, but let's face it, totally fascinating mind works. So, yes, we don't have the official paperwork, but don't tell me that cry-baby Petey McHew wouldn't have gotten an audience with Victor in moments if he'd asked politely, because you and I both know that he would. So... ten minutes with Victor. That's all I ask." Cassie smiled widely.