Dreams of an Absolution

August 19th, 2001

Patient Name: Blossom Utonium

This is Dr. Irena Elise reporting on patient, Blossom Utonium. I've not seen Blossom for a week, she started first grade last Monday. I noticed her in the waiting room earlier, and I have to say I haven't seen a smile that bright on her face in a very, very long time. What could have possibly happened to completely turn her demeanor around? I'm excited about today's meeting...maybe we're finally going to make a break through? Maybe we're getting closer to the real Blossom?

"Good afternoon, Dr. Elise! How have you been?"

"It's nice to see you, Blossom! I've had a busy week, but it's been a good week. On that note, how about yourself? I can't remember the last time you looked so cheerful,"

"I feel great, Dr. Elise! Well...I feel better at least,"

"You seem awfully happy, what's up?"

"It's just...well I started first grade and it's been so incredible! My teacher is so fantastic! He's a monster from Japan and he's so smart! It's like he knows everything, and he doesn't put up with any nonsense and he's just...I just love having him as a teacher!"

"Oh wow! Hang on...okay, I had to take a moment to absorb that!"

"Sorry, I just get excited when I talk about hi...I mean when I talk about school!"

"Uh huh...so I take it you're doing well in school?"

"Of course! I'm at the top of the class! Last Wednesday we had a pop quiz in math and I was the only person who got a perfect score...Uka-sensei gives some really hard tests, too!"

"I'm very proud of you! You almost seem like your old self now!"

"I...really? You th-think so?"

"I do, you just don't know how happy I am to see you like this,"

"Oh well, thanks...but I mean it's not like everything is great...I'm doing really well in school and I'm Uka-sensei's best student but uh..."

"I'm guessing your classmates are still...a bit harsh?"

"That's putting it mildly..."

"I bet...I've heard about your teacher, he sounds tough. They probably don't like that you're his favorite,"

"Yeah, but it's alright! It doesn't matter because Uka-sensei likes me the most! Oh man, that sounds horrible doesn't it?"

"Well, it's true isn't it? You are his favorite student,"

"Of course I am!"

"No need to yell, Blossom,"

"I'm the smartest student, I get the best grades, I actually pay attention, and I actually like him! Of course I'm his favorite,"

"You sound like you like him a lot,"

"W-Well i-it's just...just I...well he's an amazingly intelligent educator! Maybe he's a bit harsh, but it's a cultural difference. Do you know how hard it is for a monster, a foreign monster even, to get a job in Townsville? It's criminal how prejudiced Townsville is against humanoid monster citizens,"

"Well in Townsville's defense, the non-humanoid monsters do regularly knock the city apart,"

"Most of them are just doing it for a chance to fight my sisters."

"What about you?"

"I don't fight monsters anymore...because of this bracelet I'm not strong enough anymore,"

"I'm so sorry, I know you love fighting crime,"

"Yeah, but it's alright. Buttercup wouldn't listen to my advice anyway if I did help them fight monsters. At least there's only been a couple monsters since I had to put this thing on again..."

"You sound disappointed?"

"..."

"Blossom, be honest with me,"

"Well...I don't even know why I keep helping them. Buttercup doesn't listen to my advice, Bubbles doesn't talk to me, and I can't even fight most of our supervillians!"

"Yes, I remember what happened between you and Sedusa,"

"It's selfish, I know, I'm just frustrated by this powerless feeling. I don't want my sisters to get hurt..."

"I'm glad you're thinking about this rationally,"

"I always think rationally!"

"Oh I know, I've always admired that. It's rare to find in this city. I'm just worried you'll let what happened cloud your judgment. Don't forget who you really are,"

"I won't, Dr. Elise,"

"Alright, well I think our time is about up. It was very nice seeing you, I hope you stay happy. You're so much prettier when you smile,"

"Thank you, Dr. Elise,"

"And listen, Blossom, try not to make your classmates too jealous. I know, it feels good being the favorite and you can't help that he favors you. But, maybe you shouldn't flaunt it,"

"I never flaunt it!"

"Alright, I believe you. Just try to be careful, I don't want you making enemies you don't deserve,"

"I'll be careful, Dr. Elise, I promise.

"Alright. I'll talk to you next week. Goodbye, Blossom,"

"Goodbye, Dr. Elise,"