The Voice
You’re awake. Congratulations, I guess.
Was it hard this morning? Was it difficult to open your eyes? Wouldn’t you prefer to just lay there for a little while? It’s not like you have any reason to get up.
And yet, look at you. You’re up and rubbing your eyes. Yes, I bet you’re tired. Nightmares can do that. I saw you thrashing in your sleep, at midnight and then again around three. I heard you moaning in your sleep, and not in a good way. You were saying her name, over and over. I wonder why that is?
That’s a smart shirt you’ve picked out. And, oh, you’re bothering to brush your hair now. I wonder why? It’s not like there’s anyone around to notice.
I’m not lying to you. I’m telling you this because I care about you. Listen… there’s no one but you left. Not in this house, not on the farm, not in town, not on the whole freaking continent. Maybe not in the world. You’re the last, and nothing you can do will ever change that. So really, when you stop and think about it rationally, you should just lie down and go back to sleep.
So you’re having cornflakes for breakfast. Those are stale, and of course there’s no milk. I bet they’re cutting your mouth up terribly. You know what would make this more bearable for you? If there were someone here to share it with.
There isn’t, though. No wife, no kids. Even your dog ran away. Guess he couldn’t stand another day with you. What does that say about you as a person?
But what do I know? I’m just the voice in your head. Or maybe I’m an alien signal, beamed to you from the stars? Or perhaps I’m a malfunctioning chip in your skull, or an invisible spy for the government, crouched behind you, whispering in your ear? I don’t remember anymore, and if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. Any way you slice it, you’re probably crazy. Which is why you should turn around and go back to bed.
Fine, don’t listen to me. Go outside to work on your silly farm. Milk your cows and tend your vegetables. You’re only growing them for one. You’re only wasting your…
What are you doing? No, don’t look at the sky. Listen to me when I’m talking…
Don’t look up. Don’t look at that. It’s just a stupid falcon. It’ll just depress you. Stop looking.
Why are you smiling? Why are you smiling? Stop that right now!
Are you even listening to me?
