Morality glanced out the window, amethyst purple eyes worried, dark brown hair jiggling in its ponytail. Raining again. She sighed, a small sigh that even if someone had been with her, they wouldn’t have heard.
She liked the rain. It made her garden grow, and saved her having to water everything. It was just so… sad. So many sad children on days like today. She already had enough to deal with without the extra burden of helping them.
Morality was a conscience. She was connected in a web to anything and everything living. She felt their pain, their sorrows- she had often been told that she would make a good psychiatrist, and she probably would- just, so, so much hurt.
She was drawn away from her thoughts by a bright spark of happy coming down the pathway to her house. No driveway- she walked to Aperture every morning. She opened the door before the spark had even reached her.
“Hi, Morality!” Curiosity chirped.
“Hi, Curi. What’re you doing here?”
“Chell and Wheatley said I could come visit. That’s okay, right?” she asked worriedly.
Say yes to the poor dear. You’re tired, but she walked a mile in the rain.
Say yes.
Help the boy with the flu from next door.
Say yes.
Say yes.
“Sure, Curi. Come on in. There are cookies on the table.” She forced herself to smile.
Don’t let her eat too many- she’ll get sick.
Help the boy.
The girl over on Park Street just slipped and fell. That’s right by you.
Help them.
Help.
“Don’t eat too many,” she interjected.
“Alright!” Curi called from the kitchen.
Sighing, Morality dropped onto the worn brown couch in her living room. She fought furiously with the voices for a moment before sinking her head back, exhausted. They weren’t going to give up any time soon.
~~~
“Hello, Morality.”
“Hello, Ms. Caroline. How is your day going?” she answered politely.
Caroline sighed. “It’s good. Fine, thanks.” She offered a weak smile.
Morality eyed her.
She’s lying.
Help her.
What’s wrong, dear? What’s wrong?
“What’s wrong?” Morality repeated, looking concerned.
“Mr. Johnson.” There wasn’t any need for more explanation.
Morality nodded and awkwardly patted her on the back.
You know you can make her feel better.
You know what to say.
Help her.
Help her.
Morality stopped herself from putting her hands to her head in an attempt to keep the voices in. She gave in- but only partly.
“I’m sorry. I promise, I’ll try to keep him from badgering you too much. I think this new AI project is as convoluted as you do.”
