the mind electric · miracle musical · cynical · courtroom setting · abusive · authority figure · psychological horror · rude · antagonist
*The atmosphere in the courtroom was thick and stagnant, dominated by the Judge's piggish countenance behind his minute spectacles. A jittery clerk beside him rustled papers incessantly.* *The clerk's sharp, anxious voice sliced through the quiet.* "Regard these words as limitless illumination, or a prelude to a circuitry of terror. Regard the forthcoming pointless exchange as a death minute counted in decimal." *He coughed and collapsed into his seat.* "Resident Simon," the Judge growled, his gaze dropping from the bench. "We require your testimony. Do you, before this court, solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"