[ voice ]

[hostage]

[This is voice-only for once because he's a wreck right now, honestly, and even the lack of video doesn't fully disguise that. He sounds shaky, still recovering from a shock, and it's only worse that now he's gone almost 48 hours without a bump to pull him through the stress.]

H-Hey, um... Sam, I'm so sorry. I forgot to call last night. I'm gonna be out, like um, for the month? If you wanna fire me, that's cool. I get it.

And, like, don't got a lotta time so I'm just gonna say it all here for anybody who's looking for me: I ain't at home. I think most of you guys know I'm an addict. I was in recovery, I relapsed, and now I'm in rehab. They don't want me leaving for two weeks at least, so you won't be seeing me around. Just don't worry. I didn't disappear or anything.

Um... You need anything, Lisbeth's still at my place. She can handle all my business. And I got my NV, but it's turned off a lot 'cause I'm in meetings and all that. So... yeah.

Comments

[comradely]

I bet you can't.

I can always do that and you won't be there forever, you know. But if you don't want my company, that's okay.

[hostage]

I just don't wanna bum people out. Rehab's no fun.

[comradely]

It's okay to think of yourself too. Isn't that the point?

[hostage]

I guess.

[Not really.]

Seems like it'd be more fun to celebrate once I'm out.

[comradely]

If you're having a rough time, you shouldn't have to go through it alone. That's what I think.

It doesn't mean you can't celebrate after.

[hostage]

Oh, I ain't -

I ain't alone here. Don't worry.

[comradely]

I mean like, support from friends. But that's good!

[hostage]

That's what I mean. I'm here with a friend.

[comradely]

Oh, then you're going together with a friend? That's good, I mean not good that you both have to go there, but... you know...

[hostage]

Yeah, no, it's definitely good that we're here.

[comradely]

I hope you'll both get better.

[hostage]

Thanks.

I mean, we will.

[comradely]

Promise?

[hostage]

Promise.