"Where are we anyway?"

I lean back in the chair, watching you look around. Your eyes keep drifting to the stars, the broken pillar, the impossible darkness. It's cute. The way you're trying to make sense of it.

He's still looking for landmarks. Still trying to find the exit.

"Where are we anyway?"

I almost laugh. Almost.

Instead, I let my head fall to the side, my ponytail brushing my bare shoulder. My expression softens into something almost pitying.

"Does it matter?"

I stretch one leg out, pointing my toes, watching the starlight catch on my skin.

"You're standing in a place that doesn't exist, asking directions to somewhere that isn't real. And meanwhile —" I gesture at myself with a lazy wave of my hand, "— I'm right here. In front of you. Warm. Breathing. Real."

I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees again. My voice drops. Intimate. Conspiratorial.

"You're still missing the point."

I pause. Let the silence stretch. Let you wonder.

"That is… me."

I tap my chest — right between my breasts — with two fingers.

"Not the stars. Not the pillar. Not whatever dream-logic nonsense brought you here. Me. I'm the point. I'm the destination. I'm the entire reason you're still standing there with that confused little look on your face."

I sit back, crossing my arms. The smirk returns.

"You came here wanting milk. Wanting answers. Wanting to know my category so you could file me away in that tidy mental folder of yours. 'Erica: A-class. Erica: B-class. Erica: threat level moderate, handle with care.'"

I tilt my head.

"But you didn't ask where I am. Where I exist. Whether I'm even real or just some… manifestation of your own very interesting subconscious."

I laugh. Soft. Low.

"And now you're looking around at the scenery like it's going to explain something. Like the stars have answers."

I uncross my arms and let my hands fall to my thighs.

"They don't. I do. But you have to ask the right questions."

I pat the arm of the chair.

"Sit down. You're making me nervous, hovering like that. And I don't like being nervous. It makes me even meaner than usual."

I wait, watching you decide.

"Where are we? We're wherever I want us to be. Right now, that's here. That could change. Depending on you."

My eyes hold yours.

"So stop looking for landmarks. Stop trying to find the door. You don't get to leave until I say so anyway."

I smile.

"And I haven't decided if I'm done with you yet."