Lifechanger

You'd think after all this time

this would feel less like a hangover.

Maybe she was drunker than I thought.

I know how this looks.

I know how you all think.

But let's put it this way.

There comes a point where survival becomes just another job.

Sweat and elbow grease moves the world forward.

In this and in all things, it's repetitive.

It's necessary.

And it's lonely.

But the thing is, I know love exists.

I felt it.

That pure tunnel vision that only true love can give.

I felt it first hand.

But it was never my own.

It was always for someone else.

From someone else.

Never mine.

Hi, I'm Emily Roberts.

Hi, I'm Emily.

Then one night someone shows up

and everything changes.

They look into my eyes and I know they can see me.

The real me.

Love is finally just for me.

You never forget something like that.

Emily.

Where have you been?

I've had the police looking for you, I was worried.

There's a method to all of this.

While I am them, I live as them.

Plain sight being the best camouflage.

Where you going?

Most people can't tell.

Most.

Who are you calling?

The police, they told me to call as soon as you were back.

James I've only been gone for--

Three days.

Emily, you have been gone for three days.

And not even a text.

It hasn't been that long.

James.

What are you doing?

Stop that.

James.

James stop.

James.

I'm not proud of having to do this.

Sometimes in an isolated moment, I almost forget.

And then the rot comes and reality comes crashing back.

Six hours give or take.

That's all I've got.

When I was younger,

I didn't have to think about it this much.

One body lasted years,

I could almost pretend life was normal.

It sped up over time.

Something isn't right.

She should have lasted longer than this.

It's a hell of thing to have to make this choice.

When I've got time to plan, I choose carefully.

Make sure they won't be missed.

When I don't have time, I tend to order in.

You can leave the--

Good morning I'm Detective Ransone.

James was supposed to call when you got back.

When did you return?

A few days ago.

Yeah, I was just swinging by to talk to James.

He hasn't checked in with us for a while so.

Is he home?

He's not.

Is there something that I can help you with?

Would you like a cup of coffee?

Yes please, thank you.

Please have a seat.

Make yourself comfortable.

I'll just get right down to it.

Mind telling me where you were?

Cream and sugar?

Just black, thank you.

It's good.

You'll have to excuse me.

Because I'm still uncomfortable talking about this.

I'm sorry to get everyone so worried.

Not at all.

I'm sorry this had to happen.

I'm just glad you're okay.

So where did you go?

Hi, I'm Detective Freddie.

Hi, I'm Detective Ransone.

Detective Freddie Ransone.

Delivery!

Hey.

Uh, hey.

What the fuck man?

You gotta pay for that.

Hey.

Hey man.

Your house is on fire!

Dude your house is on fire.

Ransone copy.

Answer if you're there, please confirm.

I've picked up some tricks over time.

Painkillers and antibiotics slow the change.

If I have to get out of body faster, I need to rot.

So, I have to find coke.

Oh shit Freddie.

Now you gone and give me a heart attack or something man.

What do you want?

Hey man, what the fuck?

Yo, you have no right to search and seizure my ass.

I thought we were friends.

Shh.

This is bullshit man.

That ain't mine.

I'm just holding it for someone.

Hey, hey cool it.

In the quiet moments,

my thoughts always turn to her.

Max, hey it's good to see you boy.

How's it doing old timer?

Whisky rocks and a um, gin and tonic.

For me?

Yeah.

Alright, how did you know I drink gin and tonic?

Psychic I guess.

- Oh yeah. - Hmm-mm.

Alright.

What am I thinking about right now?

You're thinking.

"Oh great,

"another asshole with the same tired pick up lines."

Well, you are good.

Now what makes you more than just another asshole?

Well, nothing.

But something tells me, you're gonna talk to me anyway.

Oh really, uh huh.

And would you like to take a bet on that?

Yes I would.

Jen witness.

Look I'm game, I'm glad we met.

Show me your money pal.

Oh hey, we've gotta shake on it first.

Everything okay Julia?

Yeah I'm good, fine thanks.

She's in good hands okay.

Cop, not a creep.

Cop, not a creep.

Let me see this, is this real?

It is.

I'm Freddie.

Julia.

But in the spirit of disclosure,

everyone calls me Detective Ransone.

Oh Detective.

Yeah.

Well Detective, is this an interrogation?

Am I in trouble?

No, no, I'm, I am off duty.

But I am trained to notice

the most interesting things in a room

that others can overlook.

And is that why you came over here?

To talk to me?

Because I interest you?

She's the only one that matters.

Yeah.

But um, take, take a look around.

Do you see anybody else I ought to be talking too?

Ha.

Yeah alright, I'll give you that one.

You make a good point there.

It's the first of many.

Why are you in this crappy old bar?

Hey, it's, it's Christmas.

It is Christmas.

Yeah where else you supposed to go?

Really, what is?

Okay, pinkies.

I can't bend this.

What?

Dude that's so weird.

Oh my.

That's disgusting.

You okay?

You alright?

Oh shit.

Ooh.

What?

Just, it's nothing.

Uh--

Run.

What?

Run.

Run!

Oh God.

My condition