⛪

[crittersheep]

WHO: you
WHERE: lily
WHEN: later day 51

[remember the temporary confessional booth from Tanabaata? it's reappeared in the generally accessible part of Lily's meadow! the sign on it says:

ANONYMOUS CONFESSIONS
Want some advice, or just to get something off your chest?
Want to do it without the pressure of people knowing who you are?
Come in and have a chat!

(We're trying to see if rites work on the fence.)

if you wanna drop in and talk for a few minutes between mushrooms and other nonsense at any point through the day, you can! Lily is using illusions to disguise themselves and whoever comes in as nondescript little sheep in sunglasses.

as a bonus, when you wander outside afterwards, a little ghost sheep will float up to you with a basket of cookies. feel free to take one!]

((the anon journal is 'herdtestimony'! the password has been posted in Discord for anyone who didn't have it saved from last time. Lilies will also be replying anon with the 'whitecollarcrime' journal.

don't forget to pin your threads since you won't get any notifs otherwise!))

Comments

[herdtestimony]

In a case like that, it would be better to act like nothing's changed as to how I feel about them, wouldn't it?

[whitecollarcrime]

Strategically: Correct.

However: What do you suspect you will want?

[herdtestimony]

Solitude. Room to figure out what's real. A chance to feel free.

I would want... to cut away anything that felt too much like a leash.

[whitecollarcrime]

Many humans speak highly of journeying to "find themselves". This does not sound dissimilar.

[herdtestimony]

"Find myself?" What am I, thirteen?

[whitecollarcrime]

You stated you desire "room to figure out what's real". This statement is commonly aligned with finding oneself. You seek to abandon oversight to determine which opinions and desires are your own and which were chosen for you.

Are journeys of this nature restricted to juveniles?

[herdtestimony]

I...

[ The anonsheep sighs. ]

I guess they aren't, strictly.

[whitecollarcrime]

[ ... ]

Returning to your original question: Do you believe these are the only available options?

[herdtestimony]

Seems binary enough to me. Strive for, or against. Do, or do not.

[whitecollarcrime]

Counterpoint: It is unlikely that you are the only individual with these concerns. This allows for a potential third option: Commiseration. If you locate an individual which you find acceptable to discuss your concerns with, then you can examine those opinions and desires while here.

This option does not prevent you from later selecting either of your original binary solutions and allows the gathering of additional data points to determine your preferred course of action when you escape Blossom's magic.

[herdtestimony]

When, not "if?" So optimistic, my witness!

...
Bide my time, collect information, tap other people that have realized their feelings are being puppeted around...

Maybe I'll write something in the book. "By the by, flocks are being artificially manipulated to crave closeness to one another. If you'd like to chat about that, here's where we luncheon on Thursdays!"

[whitecollarcrime]

I am detecting sarcasm.

[herdtestimony]

Hah, hah, hah...

Just marveling at the absurdity of the situation I'm in, that's all, Honored Host Bespectacled Sheep.

[ anonsheep stands up, and dusts off its wool. ]

...I'll keep your words in mind. Stay tuned for that luncheon notice.