Dose Ashley instead of (loving) Linda

You calm Linda down and assure her, that Ashley just needs some time to adjust to the fact that Linda isn't going to leave you after all. You promise that your relationship with Ashley will soon improve. Linda clings to that and you have dinner, but Linda's mood doesn't improve.

You go to bed and hate how torn Linda is. Linda can't sleep and takes a pill to help with that, which she rarely ever does.

You can't wait to manipulate Ashley with the serum.

<u>Midnight</u>

You wake up in the middle of the night, feeling disoriented for a second. Linda is lying next to you, eyes closed. Someone is at the door.

Ashley: "Mum?"

You: "Hm?"

Ashley: "Sorry. I need to talk to Mum."

You: "What? What time is it?"

Your grogginess fades instantly as you realize that Ashley seems somewhat distressed.

Ashley (louder): "Mum?"

You: "Sorry, she's out. She took a sleeping pill. Ashley, what's up with you? Are you... crying?"

Ashley: "No! None of your business... Sorry for waking you up."

The door closes again and you're left alone in the dark. Linda is snoring softly next to you.

You sit on the bed for a few minutes, wondering what that was about. In the end, you get up to make sure everything is alright, at least.

You knock at Ashley's door, but she's not there.

You find her in the living room on the couch. She had just started another one of those Disney movies she always watches.

You: "Hey. Look, I know you hate my guts and everything. But... You can talk to me if you want."

Ashley: "I don't."

You: "Okay, I understand. But maybe... I could keep you company?"

Ashley: "I don't care."

She wipes a tear from the side of her eye. Then she looks at you. You never saw her so ****.

Ashley: "But I can't **** you to go away... if you want to watch..."

You: "Got it. I'll make us some tea then, alright?"

Ashley: "T-Thank you."

This is the nicest Ashley has ever been to you. You have no idea what happened to her, but that's not your concern right now. The opportunity is just too good. You boil some water and quietly sneak upstairs to get the vial with the serum.

You give Ashley the cup and she takes it without a word, but you can see appreciation in her eyes.

You sit down in your armchair and carefully observe Ashley from the side of your eye while pretending to watch the movie. You'll have to act fast as soon as she starts drinking. Patiently you wait five long minutes until she finally starts sipping her tea. Then she suddenly drinks the whole cup, due to the serums effect.

You: "Ashley, are you sure you don't want to talk to me?"

Ashley: "Shhh, no!"

You: "Come on, Ashley. I'm a very good listener."

Ashley: "Look, I get what you're trying to do, but I just want to watch a film and distract myself a little. Don't you get that?"

You: "Yeah, I do. It's just..."

You grab the remote from the table and turn off the TV.

Ashley: "Hey!"

You: "We should really talk."

Ashley: "Why do you always have to ruin effifing? Effilaloo?"

Her gaze drifts off into nothingness.

You: "I'm sorry, but you left me ****."

Ashley's eyes are completely blank. She still looks at you but with no expression. No mind.

You start the timer on your watch, but then you hesitate.

You know that you can fix your situation easily right now. All you have to do is open your mouth and speak. Ashley could be the perfect stepdaughter starting tomorrow. But something is holding you back. Maybe this wasn't necessary? Maybe instead of using mind control, you could just... let it go and make an effort?

You take a deep breath as you finally decide what to do.