The Speed of Thought2011

Joshua Lazarus:
I started hearing the voices again.

Sandy:
Can you control them?

Joshua Lazarus:
For now.

[He pauses]

Joshua Lazarus:
How long do I have?

Sandy:
From the recurrence of the voices, sanity is generally lost within a month. I'm so sorry.

Joshua Lazarus:
Don't be. I've had enough time. Thank you for being straight with me, Sandy.

Sandy:
[Sandy rises and pulls a pill bottle out of his pocket] Here. These are stronger. They should help a little. Make sure you take them regularly!

[He grimaces]

Sandy:
I'm needed back at the Home, Josh.

[He pulls some papers from his inner coat pocket]

Sandy:
So... you should decide this now. Don't make the same mistake Bobby made.

Joshua Lazarus:
[Josh looks unhappy] You decide for me. I mean it.

Sandy:
Have you visited Bobby recently?

Joshua Lazarus:
No. I can't.

Sandy:
The NSA insists on permanent restraints, even with the sedation.

Joshua Lazarus:
Yeah. Just...

[He picks up a pen. A tear rolls down his face]

Joshua Lazarus:
Nothing, uh... sentimental with, uh, with the ashes.

[He wipes his eye]

Joshua Lazarus:
You promise me?

Sandy:
When you feel like the voices are becoming too much, come back to the Home.