[X] [ASPECT] Is the thing broken? Are you broken? It can't be. This is your chance, the kind of money you could get could make the difference in your life, in your sister's life, in Mads' life. You can't let this slip away. If you did it'd be your fault. Wasting the chance to fix everything. Just one more failure. And then vines are reaching up from the floor, twining around you, and you know you can.
[X] [ASPECT] Embarrassment burns in your cheeks, and more than anything you just want to hide. You don't dare open your eyes, for fear of mockery (not that she would mock you for it, not in any real way, but knowing that doesn't make you feel it). You wish you could just disappear. And suddenly, you're wrapped in the cool, comforting embrace of shadowy tendrils
[X] [ASPECT] You're not the only one who's been approached by these mascots. You know that. Others have figured it out. Probably with help from those things. You scraped and clawed to get here, to get your sister here. In spite of your parents, in spite of the fucked-up system giving them so much control. You're damn sure you won't be shown up by some pampered brats. You won't allow it. And then pure, shining golden light surrounds you, and you know you have something to be proud of. Something that's yours.