Water drips steadily from the ceiling, the floor soaked like it's always been that way like the house gave up on staying dry.
A fist pounds on the door, hard.
"OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!" a woman screams, slamming it again and again.
Floris races to the door and unlocks it with trembling hands.
"Welcome home, Mother," she says, head bowed low in practiced submission.
"Tch," the woman grunts, throwing her soaked coat on Floris without looking at her.
"You better get that washed before tomorrow."
"Yes, Mother."
The woman freezes mid-step on the stairs, then slowly turns back, her eyes filled with disdain.
"How many times must I tell you... do not call me that!"
The sun rises, but peace does not follow.
"I forgot!" Floris gasps, leaping out of bed and racing to the laundry basket to grab the coat.
A shadow appears in the doorway.
"You forgot, didn't you…"
"I'm sorry, Mother. The chores, the cooking,it's just been too much"
A hand grabs her collar and yanks her upward.
"How many times must I say don't call me that?" her mother screams, face twisted in fury.
"The man I loved left me because you were born! How much more of a burden do you want to be?!"
Floris lowers her head. "Why… why do you treat me like this..."
SLAP.
Her face turns sharply from the impact.
"GET OUT!" her mother roars, dragging her by the arm.
"Mommy, please I'm sorry Mommy!" Floris cries as she's hurled onto the harsh, dry grass.
Her mother picks up a shoe and hurls it at her.
"I've had ENOUGH! LEAVE! NOW!"
Floris limps forward, her feet raw. Her legs give out and she collapses.
"I wanted to die... I'm worthless... I want to"
She stops. A figure walks toward her.
A young girl with a pink bow.
She blinks, hesitant. "Are… are you okay?"
-
Floris gasps awake, drenched in sweat. Her hands and legs are chained to the wall. The stone is cold, damp. Her breathing is ragged.
"Where... are we?" she whispers hoarsely.
A slow dragging noise. Kochi's fingers trail along the bars as she passes.
"Aww… talking to yourself?" she coos mockingly.
Floris perks up, alert.
"Wait! Please where are my friends?! Zed and Felt?!"
Kochi stops. Taps her chin thoughtfully.
"Ohhh… the hottie monster and the boy?"
"Yes! Them!" Floris says quickly.
Kochi sighs dramatically. "It's a shame."
"What… what do you mean?"
"You're an accomplice. There's nothing innocent about your presence. You think it was coincidence you were there?
"I don't understand… they saved my..."
"Execution."
Floris freezes. Her blood goes cold.
"W-What…?"
Kochi stares at her like she's filth. "You heard me. You, your monster 'friend,' and his little hunter pal. You're all getting executed."
She walks off, voice echoing.
"Publicly."