eight.
495 Words
Chapter illustration: https://www.quotev.com/story/13784110/Good-Morning-Mr-Kay-EMP-Book-1/8
"Now," Eve tilted her head towards the small man before her, and White Space's unknown source of illumination swung about, causing their shadows to fly around under their feet. "Hua, what do you know about your father's state?"
Hua's fingers nervously worked on her ebony hair, weaving it into a small braid next to her temple. She played with her locks when the spotlight was cast upon her. "He wants to be a comic book artist and writer, but he fears poverty. He is upset with his work now, and it feels like it is taking away from his passion."
Eve lowered her ears, obviously troubled by Mr. Kay's predicament. "Ah, you are aware, I see." Eve's hooves clicked together as she patted her palms, thinking about what the next course of therapeutic action should be. Those who are in need must be handled delicately, especially those who are as hurt as this particular patient. Any wrong step could cause a vicious downward spiral, and it would be difficult to sew up the tear of mental trauma. "Mr. Kay, I need you to fetch your marker."
Hua's father nodded before dashing up to where the fireplace portal was buried in whiteness. His fingers fluttered through the air as he felt around for the familiar solid, and when he pinpointed its location, he pulled aside the pale sheet and revealed their home once again. As he disappeared into earth, Hua felt Eve tap upon her shoulder. Hua turned about, innocent and unexpecting, and she released a shrill shriek as Eve gazed upon her, her horrific, alien face revealed.
The smiling mask was gripped between her paws, and in response to Hua's piercing squeak, Eve dropped it with surprise. The bowl face covering clattered spookily upon the ground, the grand crackling sound echoed and drifted into the heart of White Space. Hua's attention was briefly stolen away by a freakish smoke creature slipping through portals, but her eyes flicked back to the unmasked Eve.
Now, how to even describe the face of Eve? It was a strange twist of body horror and supernatural surprise. The mask covered a hole in her head, but the divot did not pass all the way through her skull. It was as if someone had hollowed out her head and scooped out her brain, leaving tendons and muscle strips left. A jaw, like the boney jaw of a dog, rested in her shadowy face, and the tendons lifted up the segment of skull. There was no top set, so the bones were completely impractical for eating. At the back of the hole, there sat a circular mirror, and Hua could see her wide eyes and quivering lips. She appeared distorted because she was so scared.
"I...I didn't m-mean to scare y-you like that, Hua," Eve stuttered, and the muscles and tendons squirmed and stretched as she produced her vocalizations. "You were c-curious, so I decided-"
"I've seen enough, Eve."
- Writer
