[right][h2]Jay's Catharsis[/h2]
[@JJ Doe][@Stanifly][@silver21][/right]

[color=808080]The Moderator listens to Teresa's apology, and her expression softens. A nod, approving.

[i]"Jay."[/i] She waits until she has their attention. [i]"You're welcome here. Whatever is troubling you—I'd love to help. Even if all I can do is sit with you and listen."[/i]

Her hand reaches over to cover Sirpa's.

[i]"Sirpa didn't mean to hurt you with her question."[/i]

The Moderator turns to meet Sirpa's eyes.[/color]

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[right][h2][color=8882be]Sirpa's Catharsis[/color][/h2][@silver21][/right]

[color=808080]The Keeper lowers itself, limbs folding at impossible angles until those large, round eyes hover level with Sirpa's. For a long moment, it simply watches her. Then, without preamble:

[i]"Are you also a Normie?"[/i]

Ghostly figures flicker into view, replaying a moment from earlier: Jay, translucent and faintly luminous, seated in one of the coffee shop chairs.

[i]"About half a year ago, I had a falling out with some people from a group I'd been part of for over three years. You'd think six months would be enough to move on. And it has been, for the most part. But some stuff stuck around. New year's coming, so I thought, why not clear it out? Start fresh."[/i]

A phone screen glows in Jay's hand. [i][color=8e44ad][b]"This is a place to unburden yourself."[/b][/color][/i] 

[i]"As long as we don't dox or mention anything that can identify a person, we're allowed to vent as much and as long as we want."[/i]

[i][color=8882be]"Why would you choose to come here?"[/color][/i] The Keeper speaks in Sirpa's voice—her own words echoed back. 

When it speaks again, the voice is its own. [i]"They had already told you why. You asked anyway."[/i]

One large eye blinks slowly. [i]"Was it not the answer you were looking for? Or did you think they were lying?"[/i]

Jay's apparition fades. Two bars flicker into view, layering over the coffee shop: one rusty and run-down, the other better maintained. A server with sun-bleached hair stands behind the counter.

[i]"But hey, you can totally bail anytime, Silver Lady. Like, no one's stopping you. So if you're stuck here? That's 'cause deep down you don't wanna leave."[/i]

The images waver, then drift apart like smoke.

[i]"Did you not believe us when we said you were always able to leave? Is that why you are willing to use Jay to test it?"[/i]

There is no edge in the Keeper's tone, only genuine curiosity.

[i]"Is that what makes someone a Normie? Expecting the worst of others?"[/i][/color]

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[hider=What is Perceived][color=808080]
[list][*] Events in Sirpa's Catharsis can only be perceived by Sirpa[/list]
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