Why Not Pretend

Chapter 1: Should I Tell Beatrice?

I woke up with a start. I knew now how to kill the Beast, but it required a sacrifice on my part. I wondered, should I tell Beatrice? She might get mad, or likely scared. I went over to her and gently got her attention.  

"Hi, Wirt," she said. "You're not asleep."

"Had a bad dream," I said, sitting down next to her. "Hey, Bea?"

"What?"

"If you had to make a life-or-death choice, and 'death' was for the benefit of everyone, what would you choose?"

Beatrice gave me a funny look. "Why?"

"Hypothetical question."

"Well," Beatrice said, "I would probably choose death, if it benefitted everyone. It's just good. But define 'everyone'."

"Like, everyone in the world," I explained. "Everyone."

"I'm beginning to think this isn't so hypothetical."

I smiled weakly. "Ding ding ding."

"What's wrong, Wirt? Why are you talking about this?" Beatrice asked. She looked nervous. "Please. Tell me."

I swallowed. "I don't know if you want to know. It's pretty bad."

Beatrice glared at me. "I do want to know, and don't make me force you!"

I turned away, picking at the edelwood that covered my legs. Beatrice said nothing more, but kept shooting me dark looks. Finally, I said, "Go get some sleep. I'll take the watch."

Beatrice nodded. I watched her as she headed to a nearby tree and laid down to sleep. 

I had to tell her. 

I would do it when she woke up.

Sorry this was short! The next chapter should be longer.