shaft | hotel: estelle

I was born with a power that harms the very world and all that live on it.

[More and more of those shadowy butterflies are converging, perching on her shoulder and atop her head. Her eyes take on a distant, glassy look.]

It would have been better for everyone if I died...

[ For a second, Claude had started to think that maybe he was getting better and having people open up to him.

Now, he's realising something isn't quite right. ]

Now, hold on a minute—

[ He reaches over, placing one hand on her shoulder and using the other to wave away the butterflies, shivering as their shadowy forms brush his hand. ]

You don't believe that, do you?

[The moment the butterflies are displaced, she gasps, eyes wide and pleading.]

I... I have to get out of here.

[ He's not going to argue that. Nodding, he guides them both out of the butterfly garden and into the hall, keeping an eye on her expression carefully. ]

That wasn't the peaceful excursion I was hoping for.

[Once she's outside, she takes a few deep breaths, trying to compose herself.]

I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me. It was like I couldn't control my emotions.

It's all right. [ He gives her shoulder a little squeeze, unless it seems like she wants him out of her space, in which he'll take a step back. ] It must've been those butterflies. They were toying with your emotions.

[She's receptive to the touch, answering with a brief, somewhat forced, smile.]

I think so too.

I didn't expect the butterfly garden to turn out to be dangerous...

Unfortunately, I think we're at the point that we should assume everything is dangerous.

We're just lucky our food isn't poisoned.

[ Oh, that's not very comforting. But then again, he's terrible at comfort... ]

Yes, true... I know things will probably get worse, but I hope at least that won't change.

[You never know when suddenly, stuff could be poisoned.]

It would be pretty pointless after bringing us here.

[ He's quiet for a bit. ]

Listen,I know I was being nosy, but I didn't mean for you to end up sharing against your will like that.

[She gives him a curious look at that first part, then shakes her head.]

... It's okay. That wasn't your fault.

[She brightens.]

But if you want to make it up to me, then next time, I want you to tell me more about yourself! That's fair, right?