they call her leola hess. twenty-six and a biochemist, affiliated with penumbra club and thalassa. is infected. can be reached through angie [nightpalsy]. 
 
 
 
 
 

The croon of an elderly woman drifts through an open door in one barren apartment; her voice is velvety, her tone kind. 
 

WOMAN 

Yes, I know what you mean. Ah, Leola? She still lives across the hall, yes. Fine young lady. You don’t? Blond hair, brown eyes, lovely lips? I suppose you knew her with brown hair, then. She wears these quaint little dresses, sometimes, and she’s awfully attractive. No… no, she’s not married. I’ve never seen her with a man, either. She does have a son, though, did you know? Yes! He’s a darling little boy. Benjamin, but I always call him Ben – he is just the sweetest little thing. She seems to be ill a lot, so she tells me she regrets not being able to take care of him properly. Yes, I go over and take care of him while she’s out at work. No.. she doesn’t. 
 

The woman sighs. She seems displeased. 
 

WOMAN 

She doesn’t talk about her work, like it’s a secret or something. I know! Yes. Yes, I talk to her on a daily basis. Well, it’s alright if she doesn’t want to share. Of course! Yes, she told me she was raised in Sector 02, and came here to 01 when she was about eighteen. She’s never shared many details… I know both of her parents were doctors. No, they live in 03. Oh, don’t ask me, I wouldn’t know. 
 

She continues to talk on the phone for some time, watching the scenery outside her window.  
 

WOMAN 

Yes… yes, she is quite the lovely girl. A little shy, but has a very pretty smile. She’s got good reflexes, you know? Almost caught me before I tumbled down the stairs the other day. I’ve noticed she always smells wonderful, too… a girl of little words, though. Oh, I talk too much! I’ve bored you, haven’t I? Well alright then, I’ll catch you tomorrow. Bye, love.