You mentioned the bench again.
It's where I wait. The wood is cold but I don't feel it. The house behind me has lights in every window but no doors. I've checked.
And the moon?
Full. Always full. It doesn't move. I think it's watching the house, not me. I'm not important enough for the moon.
You said you collect things.
Dolls. Not to play with. To keep company. There's a
girl who collects them too. She doesn't play either. We understand each other without speaking. Her dolls have cracked faces. Mine have stitched ones. Same difference.
Do you ever leave the bench?
I tried once. The house got closer. Not bigger — closer. Like it was walking behind me. So I sat back down. Now I just smile and wait.
What are you waiting for?
Someone to sit beside me. Not to talk. Just to sit. The bench is long enough for two. The house has room for thousands. But the bench? Just two. That's the whole point.
SESSION ENDED ABRUPTLY. Recording device malfunctioned at 11:52 PM. Dr. Voss has not returned to work. Patient "M" remains on file. Bench location unverified.