Slime Girlfriend: Vida 2 (special preview)

When the lockdown happened, you were a bit relieved it was in your new home, rather than the tiny apartment you used to live. At least you still had things to do, like finish unpacking, organizing, and even helping Vida with her work. You were also grateful you had Vida around.

Due to the pandemic and the sudden demand for face masks, Vida was hard at work using all the scrap fabric she had making them. There were days she was in her basement studio all day, you barely saw her at all. She was adamant about making enough masks so she could sell some, as well as have enough to give away to people.

There came a day when you woke up and could hear her working downstairs, so while the coffee maker started up, you went to check on her. She was at her desk sewing, a box of premade masks at her side.

“Hey, how long have you been down here?” You touch her shoulder and notice she feels a bit strange, almost spongey. She usually feels slick and gooey. “Vida.”

She looks up from the sewing machine and her mouth looks cracked and dried out. “I’m almost done.”

“Seriously, how long have you been down here?” You gently pull on her chair. “Come upstairs with me.”

“No, it’s fine.” She tries to pull herself back to the desk, but her hands don’t stick to the table like they usually do.

“What is the last time you took a break?” You force her chair back more. “You don’t look like your usual self. You’re worrying me.”

Vida frowns and keeps her head down, even the way she molds herself to look like she has hair looks less than it usually does. Her glitter freckles look dingy and dirty, not to mention her usually pristine dress is wrinkles and stained along the front.

She places her palms over the big stain on her skirt and sniffs. “I’m just trying to help, I want to do this.”

“You have to take care of yourself too.” You pick Vida up out of her chair, finding her shockingly light. “Come on. You can take a break for five seconds, this pandemic isn’t going anywhere.”

Vida whimpers, laying her head upon your shoulder as you carry her upstairs. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you worried.”

You place her in a chair at the table. “You look tired, what do you need? Something to eat? Drink?”

“Just some water?” She pats her hands around her face. “I didn’t realize I had gone without for so long.”

“Should I run you a bath?” You ask as you fill a cup with water.

Vida reaches for the cup, taking a drink before she makes her reply. “I’ll be fine after this. I’ll make sure to take-”

You slam your palm on the table before her and give her a stern look. “No. I’m not letting you go back downstairs today. You deserve a break. You don’t have to do everything at once, set yourself batches to make rather than make them all.”

“But there’s a shortage of-” You slam your palm down again so she can’t finish.

“Yes, but you’re just one person, Vida. You’re not going to save the world. All you can do is what you are capable of.”

Vida looks at you, some of her glitter looks sparkly again. “Only one day.”

“Good, and tomorrow just half a day. I don’t want you working yourself to dehydration again.” You fill up her cup. “After I have my coffee, I’ll draw you a bath and you can relax there as long as you need.”

“I’ll be fine with-” She cuts herself off as you give her a look. “Thank you,” she chirps sweetly. “I suppose I have been ignoring myself for a few days. When I get focused on something I tend to do that.”

“Don’t worry, I’m here and I’ll remind you.” As you coffee makes you watch her sip gingerly at her water. “To be honest it’s been kind of lonesome here when you’re down there working.”

“It is?” She tilts her head up. “I’m sorry.”