Light, prolonged
春分 [8] / [33]
She was a shark from the start. And he really meant it. Her eyes. They appeared to carry such kindness and tenderness. But that was a veneer, a distraction; the canvas painted on the surface to hide what lay beneath.
Interrupting Lucas, Alexander inquired,
"So what was hidden beneath?"
"Like I said," he stated,
"she had the eyes of a predator like a shark. Her eyes were like a doll's. Blank, lifeless, open to interpretation, suggestive. But she made you feel a certain way because that was how she wanted you to feel. Not because she was showing genuine emotion, but because it would benefit her in some design."
"So," Alexander interjected, with some understanding,
"the canvas wasn't just to obscure her true thoughts, but to have you betray your own by seeing their reflection in her eyes."
"What better way is there to control someone? Make them think you sympathize and empathize with them when, in reality, you just serve as a mirror for them to project their own bullshit onto."
"It seems she manipulated you,"
observed Alexander.
"Let me get straight to the point, Lucas. As much antipathy as we have towards one another, we can agree, I think, that Sarah―or whatever name she went by at the time―is a much bigger thorn in your side. She obviously caused you much grief. Tell me about it. At the very least, it must feel good to get it off your chest."
Lucas paused for a moment.
"Can I have a cigarette?"
"Excuse me?" Cynthia asked,
"I don't think they're going to allow that here."
"I'll give you a smoke if you give me something,"
said Alexander in response, as Cynthia shot him a reproachful look. Alexander looked at the officer standing sentinel by the door, and he nodded, and left to fetch an ash tray.
Alexander thanked him when he returned, placed the ash tray in front of Lucas, pulled out a cigarette, handed it to him, and gave him a light.
"OK," he said,
"You got your cigarette, now start talking."
"First of all, her name isn't Sarah,"
said Lucas, taking a long drag on the cigarette.
She said various things about herself. At first, Lucas could barely recall most of it. It seemed the more Lucas testified, the clearer his memory got.
