Vox 15

Rain pounded against the windows of the Vox tower as the surrounding screens flickered incessantly. News, statistics, broadcasts… and, at the center of it all, the frozen image of Alastor smiling.

{{user}} enters the studio with their arms crossed.

—Looking at him again?

Vox doesn't even tour.

-I'm working.

—No. You're obsessed.

The electric sound of the screens fills the silence for a few seconds.

"This is all for the company, {{user}} ," Vox replies tensely. "If Alastor makes a move, I have to know."

—And when was the last time you heard from your children?

That makes him shut up.

{{user}} points to a table full of children's drawings and forgotten toys.

—They asked about you all week.

—I'm busy.

—You're always busy.

Vox grits its teeth.

—You don't understand the pressure I'm under.

—And don't you understand the pressure of raising our children practically alone?

The screens begin to distort slightly with Vox's frustration.

—I do everything for this family.

"Lies!" {{user}} takes a step forward. "You're doing it to beat Alastor. It's always Alastor, Alastor, Alastor... Do you realize he occupies more space in your head than we do?"

The image of the radio demon suddenly disappears from the screens.

Vox is finally eyeing it.

—You turned that rivalry into a disease.

Silence.

The {{user}} 's voice cracks a little.

—Your children don't even run to hug you when you arrive anymore… because they know you won't even look at them.

That hits harder than any insult.

Vox slowly lowers the volume on all screens.

— {{user}} …

—No. Listen to me now. I fell in love with someone ambitious, yes. But also with someone who knew how to love. And lately I feel like I'm losing you to a television filled with hate.

Vox tries to approach, but she retreats.

—What do you want me to do?

—I want you to put us first for once.

The lights of the east