damned_institute | Day 60: Intercom, Evening

The intercom jingled at its standard time, with the Head Doctor still in his over-the-top, jovial mood. It seemed not even the evening light could keep down the love he held for his job.

"Good evening, everyone! I hope your soul is filled with music from last shift; I know mine is."

There again was a stretch of silence. When the Head Doctor continued, he sounded marginally disappointed.

"But now it's time to wind down the day with a bit of dinner. Tonight, we'll be serving turkey breasts and quality gravy, with sides of garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, grilled asparagus, and a small salad. For dessert, we will be having pumpkin pie with optional whipped creme. As per usual, we will have our vegetarian alternatives and a wide selection of drinks available. Turkey lovers, be sure to take advantage of the food; it'll be an entire week before you can have this delectable meat again."

He chuckled at the statement. One might have labeled it as dark.

"Anyway, enjoy! I will wish you all a good night momentarily!"

The intercom clicked off.

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Peter was gone. His nurse had seemed so proud of him when Ritsuka had asked that the boy had to fake a smile to get away from her. Of course he was happy "Peter" had gone home to be with his family. That was what the nurses wanted to hear and so Ritsuka had said it, but the words were like ash on his tongue and left a sour taste behind. Peter was gone and that meant Tear was the leader of the paramedics now. And what could Ritsuka do without Soubi around to help? He wasn't sure, but he wasn't about to keep relying on people when they just kept leaving.

Worse, he had heard that people had died last night again. More people lost to this stupid place where the staff kept a phony smile and refused to acknowledge reality, let alone everything that had happened only a day ago. They staunchly refused to recognize anyone called Aguilar or Berg or anyone else and became worried for Ritsuka's own "mental health" when he insisted they were real. He really shouldn't be surprised, he thought, but it was frustrating nonetheless how easily they had the wool pulled over their eyes. Maybe it was because they wanted it that way.

Entering his room, Ritsuka glanced to the side to check if Gamzee was already there, and upon seeing no one, went to his bed and flopped face down into the pillow. Even if he was hungry and the food smelled appetizing, knowing that he was slowly losing everyone to this stupid place was enough to kill off any desire to eat. "...Soubi, you idiot." Ritsuka pulled his pillow closer and then rolled onto his back, leaving it over his face.

Gamzee was far more... well cheerful might not be the word, but content, when he entered the room. He was his usual self, in other words. Upon being handed his tray, his eyes lit up slightly. This was also not that pink gruel from before, and wow did it smell good! Ritsuka went ignored for a bit as he got settled with his meal.

It was only after a bit of silence that he looked over. The other boy sure was bummed looking. Maybe he'd preferred the pink stuff to what they had now? Nah, even Gamzee was pretty sure that wasn't the case. If he was feeling bad, it was the troll's job as a good roommate to check up on him. Though he ate a little more of his turkey before he did.

"Somethin' got you down, my brother?"

Day 60: Intercom, Evening

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