Just A Matter Of Time

Madison's Code

"Thomas?" questions Franklin.

I did not exit my room. I wanted to stay there for an eternity, until we can go back home.

"Thomas. Come on out, stop hiding away from us! Madison needs you."

I refused to exit. Madison needs me, he says, I can't go out and face his insanity... I'm a coward. All I do is hide.

"Fine then, suit yourself."

I shake my head, I need to face him...he needs me...I love him...but why do I refuse to leave? Why?

"He's not coming out Madison... I'm sorry..."

"I miss Dolley..."

"Your wife? I miss my own, but I'm afraid they're not here, Madison."

"They are here...they'll arrive here soon...and more friends...they are kidnapping all of us that are important in history--"

"Really?!"

"And--trapped--trapped in darkness--all of us--trapped..."

"And there goes his gibberish again--Thomas, come out here."

I pick up my guitar, and I listen--it hurts to hear... I play the guitar just to not listen to them anymore, but I still hear them, faintly...

"Catching the flu--Adams getting the worst of it... medicine! We need medicine!"

"What are you talking about, Madison?"

"Flu--flu--f-"

I hear Madison screaming in pain, but in his code he shares with me--and Franklin trying to calm him.

"Erb qz cqknma rq qra twmlarm. Rq qra cenam... rql ajar lxa qra w lxqkyx tqjab sa bqam..."
(And of course no one listens. No one cares... not even the one I thought loved me does...)

"What are you saying Madison?"

"Pain... hurt... death..."

"Okay... um--Thomas. Madison is broken! You don't care? Okay..."

I do care... I do... but why do I refuse to leave... I want to be there for Madison. I'm the only one who understands his code...I'm a god damn idiot...