“I guess Jack has a thing for the Wonder family,” the Pillar remarks.
I say nothing. Just watch Jack ride his motorcycle with Lorina behind him. I know I have to forget about him forever, although I don’t know how. I turn to face the Pillar. “So, you did all of this to convert me from a Bad Alice to a Good Alice.”
“I wasn’t sure it’d work. You made it work.”
“And I hated you for pulling me out of the asylum all the time.”
“A lot of people hate me lately. I’m familiar with the concept.”
“How did you ever know I was the Real Alice?”
“That’s a long story. No need to dig up more secrets now. There are more important matters at stake.”
“Like what?”
“Like making sure you can control the Bad Alice inside you.”
“I don’t know if it’s possible.”
“I guess only time will tell. There are still other important things, anyways.”
“Please tell me.”
“Another Wonderland Monster is coming.”
“This week?”
“Yes. Saying he is the darkest of all is an understatement.”
“You always say that.”
“This one has a personal grudge against you.”
“Really?” I grimace.
“It’s going to be a hard test for you.”
“Explain, please.”
“The next Wonderland Monster is someone you hurt badly when you were the Bad Alice.”
“I see.”
“He has an agenda of his own. On top of it is making you suffer.”
“How will he do that?”
“It will depend on who you choose to be. Good Alice, he will make you suffer by letting you see the world suffer. Bad Alice, he will have to hurt you personally.”
“I’m ready for him,” I say. There is a certain confidence speaking in me. I feel stronger. Part of me has the cruelty of evil inside. The other part has the innocence of goodness. I believe they can complement each other.
“Ready and optimistic aren’t enough reason to face him.”
“Then what is?”
“Not being ready. Always be pessimistic in your hopes with a monster. Always believe you will fail. Because if you feel a tinge of optimism, they will see it and stab you the same moment you thought you won.”
“I understand,” I say. “But seriously, Pillar, why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did you save me?”
“Everyone deserves a second chance.”
“That sounds noble, but let’s not fool ourselves. I know you’re not a saint walking around and doing good deeds. I need to understand why. Please be honest.”
The Pillar shrugs. He slowly reaches for something in his chest pocket. He pulls out a yellow piece of paper. It’s folded, and he grips it hard.
I am curious.