Improvisation (3)

What’s that supposed to mean? Two people trying to poison each other with a single cup that both of us added poison to?

The prompt Glasses Woman gave us had two purposes: first, to test our improv skills, and second, to pit us against each other.

But that line, “If you manage to persuade the other, you pass.”, it made no sense. Couldn’t I just drink the poison without being persuaded? Wouldn’t that count?

I was still trying to make sense of it when Stella suddenly tapped my shoulder.

“Follow my lead, husband.” She mouthed silently behind the cover of her hand.

Husband? What was that supposed to mean? Was that a hint? If so, it was a terrible one!

“Alright, you may begin,” Glasses Woman announced.

My heart slammed against my chest. For a split second, my mind went blank, then Stella’s voice pulled me back.

“How was work today, honey?” she asked sweetly, her smile even sweeter as her hands seemed to hold something invisible.

What was she holding? What was she imagining? From her hint, I guess… she wants me to act as her husband.

“Honey? Are you feeling okay? This is the quietest you’ve been since our marriage.”

That confirms it. I’m definitely her husband.

“I-I’m… it’s just, I had a rough day at work,” I stammered.

Dammit, calm down! Watch her every move. Follow her lead.

She stepped forward and placed the invisible object onto an equally invisible platform with both hands.

A table… and what she carried was probably a tray. The tray with the poisoned cup, no doubt.

I followed her as she sat gracefully on her knees, facing the crowd on the smooth wooden stage.

“What happened? It’s unlike you to complain about work,” she said, gazing at me as I sat down beside the imaginary table.

Now the picture was clear. A room. A small table. She greeted me at the door with a tray, probably holding tea, poisoned tea. Now we were seated, about to drink.

I closed my eyes briefly and opened them, fully picturing the scene she painted so vividly. The imagery this girl conveyed with her acting, it was stunning.

“Haa… I had to deal with a rude customer today, saying I gave him the wrong medicine.” My tone was irritated, my eyes narrowing just enough to sell it.

She glanced at me with a giggle as she poured the imaginary tea. “Surely you didn’t give him poison, right?” She handed me the cup.

There it is. By mentioning poison, she confirmed it. Any good husband would drink this tea without hesitation, but my role was to suspect poison and try not to drink… while poisoning it myself.

Good thing I already hinted at working in medicine.

I chuckled lightly. “By the way he acted, that might’ve been the case…” I reached into my shirt pocket. “…jokes aside, it was all because of this little thing.”

She leaned in, eyes curious.

“What’s that? A purple pill? Looks like your medicine.”

My medicine? Was that a slip or part of her plan?

I nodded. “It’s a pill that dissolves instantly in any liquid.” I mimed tossing it into the cup. “See? Medicine’s evolved a lot these days.”

Her eyes widened, and she clapped her hands in awe. “Wow! It really disappeared.” Then, tilting her head ever so slightly, she asked, “But why did the customer complain?”

I sighed dramatically. “He said it was too bitter, but after tasting it myself, I don’t know what he meant.” I glanced at her as she inspected the cup.

Now’s the time to go on the offensive.

“Why don’t you try it? Tell me what you think,” I said warmly, like a loving husband.

For a moment, her eyes flickered, hesitation. Then her sweet smile returned.

“Honey, I can’t drink random medicine. What if something happens to me?”

“Don’t worry. Even children can take this. It helps heal wounds, completely safe.” I smiled confidently, then reached for her hands, holding them gently.

“Think of it as a gift. For all the times you hurt your fingers cooking for me.”

My trap was set. She couldn’t refuse now. If she did, she’d look suspicious.

Checkmate—

“But honey, I already added your medicine into the tea.”

“…What?” My eyes widened. “My medicine?”

She pulled her hands away and picked up the cup. “See? You’ve already forgotten. Drink it quick before you forget more!” She moved it closer to my lips.

I grabbed it, stiff. “Forget? What did I forget?”

“Yes. You have a disease that makes you forget things. Please, drink your medicine!” Her voice was urgent, eyes sharp.

The cup hovered in front of me. Poison. Definitely poison. But then again… maybe not. Yet the pill I added was certainly deadly. A single sip could kill in minutes.

“What’s wrong?” Her voice cut like a blade.

Cold sweat dripped down my temple.

“N-No… nothing, it’s just—”

“Then drink it.” Her tone was merciless, her gaze like knives slicing through me.

My hands trembled as I lifted the cup. My breath quickened. If I drank this, I’d die.

Why was I trying to kill her you may ask?

My reason was simple: her inheritance.

“Drink it,” she insisted, forcing the cup toward my lips.

The tea spilled slightly as I quivered. I closed my eyes as the cold rim touched my lips—

Clap!

My eyes flew open. I gasped for air, sweat dripping onto the wooden floor.

“Excellent! Full points! Both of you passed the entrance exam,” Glasses Woman announced, her voice brimming with excitement.

Stella approached with her usual calm smile. “Are you okay?”

What the hell… I was so deep in character I thought I was really about to die.

“I-I’m fine…” I muttered, catching my breath as I stood.

Glasses Woman turned to Stella. “What did you feel during the performance?”

Stella faced her with confidence. “It was easy, since Mira acted exactly how I wanted him to.”

Acted how you wanted…?

My fists clenched. This girl, she’s a genius. The way she guided me, like a lamb on thorny vines, controlling me like a marionette. Acting so beautiful… yet overwhelming.

“And you, Mira?” Glasses Woman’s gaze pierced through my frustration.

“…It was easy.” That was all I could say, because everything I did was within her vision.

“Good. Since both of you passed, follow Marcus. He’ll show you the academy and assign your rooms.”

Marcus yawned as he stood. “Grab your suitcases and follow me. I’ll wait outside.” He walked off casually.

Stella followed. I trailed behind her, the whispers of the crowd stabbing into me like knives.

“That was amazing.”

“Yeah, but didn’t Valentine do all the work?”

“The boy’s beautiful, but that’s all. What was his name again?”

Their words echoed, cutting deep. My fists tightened, jaw locking.

I needed to work harder, much harder. Talent alone wasn’t enough. Not against geniuses like Stella.

Dammit… I won’t let this life end up like the last one. I refuse to be a failure like back then… back when I was still a college student.

Never again will I be a pawn.