Episode 7: Monica’s Visit

Monica arrives like inevitability.

Elegant. Composed. Dangerous.

“My dear boy,” she says, immediately taking my face in her hands.

I freeze.

Diana watches.

Amused.

“You’ve lost weight,” Monica says.

“I—have not—”

“We’ll fix that.”

I look at Diana.

She shrugs.

“You’re in her domain now.”

An unfortunate neighbor visits.

Uninvited.

Loud.

Complaining about property lines.

Mistake.

Monica listens.

Smiles.

Asks questions.

Precise ones.

Legal ones.

Historical ones.

Within minutes—

The neighbor contradicts themselves.

Admits fault.

Realizes it.

Too late.

They leave.

Defeated.

Monica adjusts her gloves.

“Well,” she says lightly. “That was dull.”

I stare.

“…You’re terrifying.”

She smiles.

“Genetics.”

Diana nods.

“Upgraded, in my case.”