You Took Me By Surprise (Joker Fanfic)

14 ~ Who Kills Their Own Mother?

"Sophie, why didn't you tell me Arthur's mother died?"
"Ugh sorry (YN) I've been so busy lately between juggling two jobs now and looking after Gigi, but it only happened like... a week ago? About that anyway".
Last night when I was laying in bed trying to get to sleep I was thinking over the phone conversation with Arthur. I felt weird about it, his mother dying in the midst of everything. I knew she wasn't in good shape, but still. Was that something that pushed Arthur into madness too?
Did...he have something to do with her death?
No. Stop thinking that. He couldn't have, surely...
My mind rewinded back to past conversations with Arthur. He was busy looking after Penny, undoubtedly. Any time we hung out together, he always had to leave after about 3 hours at the most, though it seemed like he never wanted to leave. He was dedicated to her. It also seemed like his mother didn't support his dreams of being a stand-up comedian. I never saw Penny, never met her, so I had no idea what she was really like.
"Do you know how she died, Sophie?"
"Honestly I haven't a clue, I haven't seen Arthur around and obviously after the whole Joker thing I don't think I will ever again".
"Do you think it's weird that she died while all of the Joker stuff was going on?"
"Oh, definitely. He had told me a few things about her before and she didn't seem to be a great mother. But he did love her, still. I'm not sure he'd have anything to do with her death, if that's what you're thinking".
"But you've seen how crazy he's gotten".
"True". We were quiet for a while.
"(YN), I'm saying this because you're my best friend and I love you, but it scares me that you're still talking to him. I mean, I'm scared for your safety. Why are you still talking to him after everything he's done?"
"Because I can understand why he's become Joker. Society made him that way. In his mind, he had a reason for killing the people whose lives he took. And I know it's not justified, but he's still Arthur, too. I know he's messed up, his personality is split in two now. But I can't stop...understanding him. I know it's crazy but I'm so drawn into his world now."
"Mhmm. You're acting crazy now too." Sophie sighs. "Look, just be careful okay? Promise?"
"I promise. He's locked in the asylum now anyway".
"Just don't get me involved in anything", she laughs a little.

I switch on the TV, and the news comes on. I don't intend on watching it, but something catches my attention.
"The man reportedly bears a shocking resemblance to Arthur Fleck, 'Joker'."
But then the news moves onto something else. I missed the start. Did it sound like he has... escaped?? I look around me, but I have no way of finding out what's happening. The news won't repeat it for a while. I shakingly bite my nails. The clock says it's seven o'clock in the evening.
There's no way I can just sit here and relax after hearing something like that. So I stand up, grab my coat, and head out for a walk in the city. I have a feeling I might find out what's going on out there.