[ it ends up not being a phone call at all. it might be a little difficult to see from Gen's current perspective, but if she can manage it, she'll spot Mike up on stage. except he's laying flat on his back. Helpy is visible up there as well, sitting on stage beside Mike and happily kicking his little bear feet like a hyperactive toddler. is that who Mike is talking to? maybe.

his voice is definitely quite hushed, like he is trying to keep the conversation quiet and private enough that a sleeping pyromaniac teenager wouldn't wake up and listen in. oh well. ]

Yeah, yeah, I know. [ Mike gestures vaguely with one hand, as though brushing off a suggestion from an invisible source. ] It was a shitty answer. The fuck else was I supposed to say?

[ there's another pause, then Mike is speaking quietly again. ] No, obviously not. I wouldn't actually kick her out. [ ... ] No- no no no, fuck's sake, no. [ ... ] No. She'll only stick around for however long she wants, then she'll leave on her own. Won't fucking matter what I say.

[ ... ] Yeah, I know. [ Helpy shuffles over and flops down on Mike's chest. ] I'll miss her, too.