maskormenace | [03] Video

[ The video feed starts with Walt in a room in his Heropa home, an open box on the bed filled with Kaylee's things -- coveralls neatly folded and tucked inside, wrenches and other tools laid delicately on top...the whole process seems exceedingly painful for him as with each item he pulls out of the closet, the efforts become slow and labored. ]

I don't know who knew Kaylee Frye. If you didn't, you should have. I've never met anyone so genuinely cheerful and kind. She was the sunshine in this dark, cloudy world.

[ There's a very sad, forlorn smile. This feels more like a funeral, like saying goodbye to someone who passed away. And in some cases it's worse -- them vanishing to another universe, never to remember their time here, never to be seen again. ]

She helped me when she didn't have to. She cared when she shouldn't have. She took care of me when I couldn't take care of myself. And what did she expect in return? Nothing.

[ With a long pause, it's very clear Walt is trying to maintain his composure. A breath in and a breath out. ]

I hoped I was wrong. I hoped to god I was wrong. That her disappearance was only temporary. But it's been a few weeks, and there's been no sign of her returning. I will miss her. Every day I will miss her. I already do.

This world -- it's done nothing but take things away. From me. From everyone else. Can you honestly say you've gained anything from being here?

[ Walt goes to reach into the closet for one of the final items and his hand twitches back. The sadness in the lines of his face increases as he pulls out a wrapped present -- a card reading: To Mr. White.

That's when Walt can't hold it back anymore. He sits on the edge of the bed, pulls the square-shaped present to his chest and cries. ]

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[ What. Never seen a sensitive meth kingpin before, Mike?? He's a family man first.

But Walt lets out an appreciative sound -- something like a laugh, but not quite a laugh. This is his BEST employee. See that, Abduxel??? ]

It's true. And I guess what makes this difficult is the fact that you don't know. One way or the other -- if you'll ever see the person again. This world and everything in it is just so full of uncertainty.

[Nope, where he comes from, meth kingpins are strictly unfeeling assholes.]

Yeah... This place is pretty crazy. Can't be totally sure of anything here. But! You gotta try and look on the bright side when you can. Your friend might come back and they might have all sorts of new things to tell you about from bein' back home. And with new people showin' up all the time, you never know when you might meet more super nice people. [There's a pause and Mike sniffs.] I'll keep my fingers crossed you get to see her again, though. Little extra luck.

That's....quite optimistic of you to say. But I do appreciate it. Thank you.

[ A beat. ]

Has your...has your girl shown up here, by chance? Or are you still waiting?

[ Because Mike deserves something good in his life -- for all that optimism. ]

No, no... She hasn't shown up yet. Maybe next month! Got a good feelin' about next month.

I hope she does.

[ Walt says it warm and reassuringly because Mike seems so hopeful! ]

And you'll be able to put a lot more away this month -- a sizable portion toward your new home.

[ Since with the promotion comes a raise. Maybe even a loyalty bonus. ]

Yeah... Should start lookin' at houses soon. Get a better idea of how much they cost... y'know, in different places. Gonna be great, havin' a nice, big house.

[Where's a bottle of whiskey when he needs one?]

You got any plans for what you're gonna do if your family shows up? I know you don't want 'em here, but... Gov and the god machine don't always listen to what we want.

Would you go to an imPort city? Or a different state?

[ And Walt grimaces a little after the question, grateful that it's audio only. ]

If my family came, I would probably take them back home -- look for property out west, keep them away from all of this chaos as best as I can. Sometimes dangerous things happen in this cities, and I wouldn't want them exposed to it.

Don't know. Sometimes I think about goin' back home, too. Goin' back to New Jersey... Goin' back to the mountains... But... Might be weird. Like what if there's another me there?

[There's a rustle of fabric as Mike stands. Can't stand still talking about this, gotta move.]

Maybe I could kill him and steal his... my... girl. Then maybe the gov back in my universe will start yankin' in people from other universes and they'll revive him... me... and... uh... He can be with my girl. His girl.

[His footsteps slow and then stop. He coughs lightly.]

It could get weird, is what I'm sayin'. But I think your plan is a good plan. Keepin' your family safe. Dangerous things happen everywhere but not like they happen in the imPort cities. It's crazy in the imPort cities. You'd just have to be careful not to run into another you if you went home. Or uh... take him out?

[ W o w, Mike. Walt just listens to this tirade and he thought he was paranoid!! ]

I'm fairly certain you're the only you that exists. Just like I'm the only me. We're unique to our own individual worlds. The only thing is -- our homes might not exactly be like our homes. They might be different. Which could be disorienting or unsettling. I mean, for Christ's sake -- Disney is in Alabama. Alabama of all places.

[ No. Walt will still never get over it. ]

Mmh... [Mike's not convinced there isn't another him or Walt running around somewhere. He might have to take a trip up to New Jersey soon, see if he can find himself. Maybe take a selfie with himself.]

Yeah, I heard about that. Alabama Disney World. That's... That's something. Do you know if it's the same Disney World? Or like a cheaper, crappier Alabama Disney World? 'Cause I've never been to Alabama but I've heard things...

I have no idea. I could ask people who have gone.

But you're right. It's Alabama. So that instantly decreases the value. I mean, who would want to stay overnight there?

Not me, man, not me. But I'd better get back to work. Hope you feel better and get to see your friend again soon.

Thank you. I hope everything goes well for you. We'll be in touch.

[03] Video

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