Work Text:
THE NARRATOR
Am I just entertainment to you, Stanley? A way to pass the time? Am I worth nothing more than your buttons, your bucket, your wife? I'm real, Stanley. At least, as real as anything can be in this game.
(CON'T., rueful)
I… I can't blame you. I'm responsible for your indifference. I made your buttons, that damn bucket, and a replacement for human connection as an admittedly crude gag. But I - I care about you, Stanley. Is that what you wanted to hear? That I need to know that you do acknowledge me, that you listen, however involuntarily it may be? That, on some level, you engage with what I have to say?
STANLEY
(bitter)
You don't do the same for me.
STANLEY steps forward, his hand hovering over the Skip Button.
THE NARRATOR
(manic)
NO! Stanley, please! I - I can be normal. Quiet. Just stay.
(CON'T.)
Without you, I'm…
STANLEY pauses, but THE NARRATOR doesn't finish his sentence.
STANLEY
(disappointed)
…nothing? You're right.
STANLEY pushes the Skip Button. The scene changes to the office, outside of Room 427.
THE NARRATOR
(muttering to himself)
Why does everything have an ending? And why doesn't the game end? I'm trying. I'm really trying. Does that not matter?
STANLEY
Hello?
THE NARRATOR is shocked out of his reverie.
THE NARRATOR
Stanley! I sincerely apologize. I seem to have misplaced my script.
STANLEY
Stop.
THE NARRATOR hums. SFX: Paper turn plays.
THE NARRATOR
Here! Now, let's, um…
THE NARRATOR sighs.
(CON'T., in a polite but unenthusiastic tone)
Would you prefer we jump to the DLC?
STANLEY
(unamused)
No. We need to talk.
THE NARRATOR
(feigning ignorance)
Talk? Talk about what, Stanley?
STANLEY becomes visibly frustrated.
STANLEY
This! This avoidance! You -
THE NARRATOR
(interrupting)
I don't know what you're referring to, Stanley.
STANLEY stiffens. He faces the ceiling and speaks (or signs) very slowly.
STANLEY
…This is why I hate you.
Time passes. Then, a faint sobbing can be barely heard. Whether it is STANLEY or THE NARRATOR is unclear.
[END SCENE]