Interviewer: >

Joy (Alias): J

> No matter where you are tonight, the Midnight Hour is here once more to send you off to dreamland, to the late shift, or perhaps just soothe a restless night. I’m your host, Johnny Rocket, coming to you live from Stardust Crossing’s only local late night show. We have another guest for you tonight, go ahead and say hello.

*silence*

> Miss Joy?

J: … oh? Are we… starting?

> Yes, I suppose I’ve just given your name, but feel free to say hello if you want.

J: … Hello everyone. It’s… really nice to be here.

> And it's nice to have you! Now, it's my understanding that you wanted to come on the show tonight to dispel some misconceptions about jellyfish girls, is that right?

J: … yes. I think that… some people assume we're always sorta… spaced out. But… I’m very aware of what's going on around me.

> Is that so?

J: … yes.

> You seem to take your time before responding. Are you careful with your words?

J: … what do you mean?

> Well, you pause before responding, which is fine, but you also pause mid sentence.

J: … I don't think… I do that.

> I see. We’ll have to let you listen to the playback later. At any rate, tell us a little about yourself.

J: … like what?

> Where do you work?

J: … I work the night shift… down at the convenience store on the… corner by the park south gate.

> Aren't they open 24 hours?

J: … yes. I work late nights. It's slow, but… it's calm.

> It's probably for the best that it isn't too busy. Well then, I have to ask, are your tentacles dangerous?

J: … absolutely not. We don't have to… use them to hunt. So… we don't have stinger cells. It is safe to touch… but please do not.

> I see, are they delicate?

J: …no. But I can still use them… to taste with. If you touch them… it would be like licking your… hand.

> Ah, I can see how that would be unpleasant.

J: … I have to watch out… for letting them touch random… objects.

> Is that why you chose to wear a swimsuit today? Is cotton an issue? I know I wouldn't lick a t-shirt.

J: … partially. Our skin is sensitive and… I spend too much time in… the water anyway. But we also… breathe mostly through our skin.

> Ah, I see. Is that the reason behind your speech pattern?

J: … what pattern?

> Nevermind.

J: … We can breathe better… in water than air, but it's… okay on land as long as we… don't fully dry out. But… more skin exposure means better… oxygen intake.

> A fact I’m sure many of our beach goers are happy about.

J: … perhaps.

> Have we hit any of the issues you wanted to address today or did you still want to clear the air?

J: … I would like to clarify that… when I eat, the food does NOT… float around inside me. I have a fully… functional stomach.

> Sounds like someone has you mixed up with a slime girl.

J: It can be… annoying when someone tries… to get you to eat something… brightly colored. I need everyone to… know that you won't… see it floating around inside my… head.

> I can definitely see how that would get aggravating. You hear that listeners? Be respectful to our jellyfish friends.

J: … thank you for listening.

> Out of curiosity, what do you like to eat?

J: … Shrimp. Fish. Sometimes I like to drink… soda because it makes my… stomach feel bubbly.

> In a good way, right?

J: … yes.

> We’ve talked a lot about your, uh, body, but what about your hobbies? What do you do for fun?

J: … Ah. Umm… I usually hang out at the beach… or the lake. But on rainy days… I like to wander around town and… see where I wind up.

> Oh? That sounds fun. Have you ever wound up somewhere that surprised you?

J: … Oh, I usually do. That's… what makes it such a… reliable way to pass the time. I… remember one day I found… myself standing out by the edge of… the forest. And there was this… little demon girl with a bouquet of… violets. I asked her what they… were for, but she told me to mind… my own business. And then she… walked off the road and right… into the forest.

> Really? How mysterious. Did you follow her?

J: … no. But sometimes I think about… going exploring there. But I… wouldn't want to disturb her… if she's there.

> Understandable. Be sure to call into the show if you ever find out, I’m sure some listeners are curious. Speaking of, one of our listeners called in with a question. They’ve heard that Jellyfish Girls don't need to sleep, is that true?

J: ….no, we do need to sleep. We… are simply very light sleepers. I… can also sleep standing up and… with my eyes open.

> Be honest now, have you ever done that on the job?

J: … I am a very… light sleeper. So you would have no… proof.

> I wish our listeners could see your smug smile right now.

J: … *giggle*

> Well, we’re almost out of time for today. Was there anything else on your mind before we let our sponsors get a word in?

J: … thank you for letting me… speak. This was a new… experience.

> Anytime. And now, a word from tonight's sponsor, The Hole in the Wall tavern. Take it away boys!

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Next time: 💯