So me and the Child went to an amusement park today called Funfunfun! (Yeah, lame, I know.)

We were having the time of our lives until I hit my head during one of those rides where you spin around really fast. I felt like I was going to lose my lunch. Anyway, that bump brought me out of my stupor.

My head clear, I demanded the Child explain to me what she wanted.

"Well, Mr. Wells (or should I say Niven?), I was intrigued by you. You know why?"

I didn't answer.

"Here's why: we're the same, you and me. I'm without a name; you're without a name, in a way. I become the focus of people's lives to the point where all they have is me; you were all your parents had. I betray them and leave, breaking their hearts, and they lose the will to live without me. They lose their purpose in life. You betrayed your parents, too, by abandoning them.

"Basically, you're my little experiment: I want to know what happens to someone when I do to them the same thing that they did to others. WHat happens when I target someone like me? It will be fun. It will be fascinating."

"Not sure how that will work out," I said. "I've been having intrusive thought problems again. Assuming you've read my blog you're well aware. What if I just up and decided to hurt you on purpose, while I'm still lucid? Not accidental thoughts, but intentional ones. No anxiety. What if I pull you out of the restraints and hurl you off this thing? What if I smashed your head into the side? I could, you know. I'm willing to go to a mental institution if it means the end of you, so long as that maniac Beakman doesn't work there," I said bitterly. Then added, "I've decided that my purpose in life is to destroy you, and the others like you. You won't take that from me. I won't let you."

She laughed. Not like a child laughs, but like an old woman, but still with a child's voice.

"Good luck with that. You will have succumbed to me soon enough."

Finally the ride stopped and we got off.

"I'm going home," I said.

Not surprisingly, she followed me.

Some kids we passed as we exited the park pointed and made jokes about how hideous the Child was. They stopped when they saw my look of anger, though it was not aimed at them. I made a sign to encourage them to continue.

This brat needs as many people as possible against her. She's an infernal, impish trap.

She's still here with me now. I wish she would leave me alone.