18

Marlowe thinks for a moment.

"Well, I already write fantasy stories; I could probably write some songs about a fantasy world as well. There are probably some people who would be into that, right? I'm not saying I've ever heard of a band that only sings about dragons and stuff, but I'd probably check them out if there was. Maybe I should write some songs before somebody else does."

Just then, there's a knock on the bedroom door. Marlowe seems a little surprised, but after a moment they say:

"Oh—it'll just be my roommate. He probably wants to check how I'm doing."

Marlowe turns off the music and heads over to open the door for their roommate.

When they do, however, you're even more surprised to discover that you recognize the person on the other side.

Even though you only met him once, on your first evening in town, those bushy eyebrows would be difficult to forget.

"Hi, Ennis," Marlowe says, giving their roommate a tired smile. Ennis doesn't exactly return it—you seem to remember he's not the sort of person who smiles very often. Instead, he looks at Marlowe with quiet concern.

"How are you doing?" he asks. Marlowe gives a small nod. "I just wanted to check up on you—see if you were—"

At that moment, Ennis glances into the room and spots you on the bed. Immediately, his eyes widen.

"Oh—sorry, Marlowe, I didn't realize you had company," he says. "I don't want to—"

Before he can finish, however, his brow furrows slightly as he gives you a second look.

"Oh—I think we might've met before," he says, stepping forward so he can address you properly. Marlowe turns from Ennis to you, eyebrows raised. "Outside the park, wasn't it?" Ennis goes on. "I think I might've scared you, being a little too paranoid about security and all. I'm sorry about that, especially seeing as you're friends with Marlowe. You just can't be too careful with some things."

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