Accidental video | un:Thestrandinstitute

[nobasisinfact]

[The first visual are stacks and stacks of books, then tiny hands grabbing one before there is a pause and another hand reaches for a cup of tea.]

This whole thing is idiotic.

[The boy's voice is deeper, but it isn't the usual smooth voice of Dr. Richard Strand. The intonation and cadence, however, is. Richard has been unmistakably affected by the curse.

There's a sigh as one hand reaches up to, presumably, pinch the bridge of his nose as if he's getting a headache.]

She'll be insufferable if she sees me like this.

Comments

[gristle]

You? Really? I’m so surprised.

[nobasisinfact]

I could have been a complete idiot of a child.

[No, not with his family.]

[gristle]

[She just scoffs.]

You probably wore a suit even back when you were this small!

[nobasisinfact]

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I didn't.

[gristle]

Really?

[A beat.]

Bet you're wearing one now though.

[nobasisinfact]

Jeans actually. It's easier to take creases out of the rolled up legs.

[He is wearing a dress shirt, jacket and tie though.]

[gristle]

You’re definitely wearing a tie though. And a blazer and shirt right?

[nobasisinfact]

It would be ridiculous not to.

[gristle]

So like. In your one chance to be a kid in a long time you’re wearing a tie and a jacket. Richard you gotta loosen up.

[nobasisinfact]

WHat would you suggest?

[gristle]

Like I don't know? A t-shirt? Play some games, do some dumb things. Like jeez, Richard playing tag wouldn't hurt you.

[nobasisinfact]

I've played tag before.

[gristle]

Not in a long time. And I miss kids. Come play. Max is gonna play.

[nobasisinfact]

How did you manage that?

[gristle]

Bet him he couldn't. Duh.

[nobasisinfact]

That was rather idiotic of him.

[gristle]

He’s freaking out. This helps not.

[nobasisinfact]

An astute observation.

[gristle]

Good at those remember. Come play.

[nobasisinfact]

I'll observe.

[gristle]

Don't be a stick in the mud, Richard.

[nobasisinfact]

I may be the size of a child, but I'm still an adult.

[gristle]

You know you want to do it though.

[nobasisinfact]

What are you playing?

[gristle]

Tag.