Something to finally get to the bottom of that damned box of “aides”.

“Hi, um… why were there so many, uh… things in the boxes under the seats? I could barely figure out which tool was for which cue, or what the cues were.” Leonard eventually asked, thankful for the microphone that would let him be heard despite his nerves robbing him of any volume.

Cheryl narrowed her eyes. “That’s the point. It’s a statement on social norms and neurotypical constructs, and how they restrict creative minds.”

That made him deflate a bit. “Oh. I-I thought you wanted there to be audience participation.”

“I do, the flashlights in the beginning are a vital component of the show, like the juggling balls or the rubber chicken chorus.” she continued, stepping closer and closer to him. It was a little scary, considering she was still on the stage. Looked like a bird of prey scoping him out.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Ann yell-whispered behind him, still smiling it seemed.

“Well, I… like, I-I appreciate the effect you’re going for, you d-definitely succeed with that, but it kinda… t-taints the rest of the show…? Like, I liked the balls and the j-juggling, that was kind of a beautiful moment. I-I couldn’t find my ball quick enough to be part of the first juggle, but even after I threw it during the juggle it still got to be included. T-That’s a nice sentiment, kinda h-heartwarming.” he wasn’t sure why he was saying any of this. Maybe fear? He certainly wasn’t thinking about his words very carefully, if at all.

Cheryl’s eyes widened, and she jumps from off of the stage, steps over, and gets in uncomfortably close to his face, looking down on him in a way that makes their height difference even more apparent. “… do you really think so…?” she breathes.

He’s almost stunned silent. Luckily he finds it within him to say “Y-Yeah, I do. But, just that part was fun for me, the rest was too, uh… h-hard to get into. I-I don’t take in things well when I’m p-panicking, I’m sorry.”

Her gaze turns to his boss behind him, and she asks Ann “Where did you find this man…?”

The woman laughs “It’s a funny story, maybe I’ll tell you later. For now, can we…?” as she motions to the exit.

Ms. Faheem sighs “Alright, you’ve worn me down.” as she hooks Leonard’s arm within her own while walking out of the auditorium. “Come on, you’re part of this too.”

He’s understandably a bit thrown by this development “What!?” he asks, as Ms. Prift does the same hooking with his other arm.

She chuckles “Was it not obvious? Oh, you’re just adorable, aren’t you Lenny?” as the trio step into her limousine.