Author's Aside (not a chapter)
End of Monday and, as you can see, I've decided to go for the full weird now. Don't worry, I do have a way to explain everything. Just, you know, not yet. And for those who want to call bs on that last chapter, well, my proof reader didn't get to see it first.
So, what is this I'm doing here?
First, I wanted to talk about my two Maxes. Both are suffering from something similar to PTSD. Different settings, different responce. This is how I envision them, even if I'm not going to the full extent of my description.
Funeral Max is dealing with being alone and the 'knowledge' she 'killed' Chloe. Needy, prone to bursts of emotions (mostly anger), manic depression. She is manifesting her distress by heavily imprinting on Victoria, who is becoming a surrogate for Chloe. She embraces her suffering just so she can feel.
Storm Max is very similar, less outbursts but a lot more guilt. Denial is her hallmark trait, as well as her desire for approval from Chloe. She believes as long as she has Chloe, no price is too high. The confrontation with her previous actions, specifically sacrificing the Bay, causes her to shut down, go defensive. Even the abuse she seeks from Victoria is a defensive play, making Vicky an antagonist instead of a victim.
Neither versions see this consciously. No future malicious intent, don't worry. Mostly, they are young screwed up women. Yeah, women, though I refuse to use that word yet. They are still kids. When I think they've matured, I'll change.
Now, the last chapter. Short, confusing, and poorly written. I didn't both expanding on purpose. I hope it was frustrating, that's the point. The Voice isn't supposed to help Max make a decision, it just helps Max realize she already did. And, like in the chapter, I have a hard time writing it in a 'pure' form. It's is what is called a gestalt, a combination of many things into one that is more than the some. All possible Max's talking in unison. It lets me cheap and be vague and frustrating. But only in The Vision. In the real world only the most likely Max gets to talk at any given time.
That's it for now, except to say that I hope you keep enjoying the story. And to apologize for what's coming up. Minor spoiler, things are going to get bad.