"After weeks of failures to get Jervis Tetch to cooperate with I or Professor Strange, Dr. Meridian declared that she would be the one to talk to him for he is the only one to get her to open up to her. How she'll be able to manage this sort of thing, is beyond me." - Dr. Jeremiah Arkham
Mad Hatter: O frabjous day. Callooh. Callay! The lovely Lady Chase has come to play.
Dr. Meridian: I'm flattered, Jervis, but we're not here to play. I've heard you haven't been very open to Dr. Arkham or Professor Strange since the last time you spoke to them. In fact, no one else has gotten to speak with you.
Mad Hatter: Nor do I intend to give them that privilege.
Dr. Meridian: Jervis, I know what they asked of you was a sensitive matter, and I am sorry if they have offended you. But you have to understand that you have to open up to us. You closing yourself from the rest of the world of the burden you've held for so many years isn't healthy. So we're here to help you, Jervis. I'm here to help you.
Mad Hatter: Then perhaps, you have found a Looking Glass? Perhaps you can help me find a way to stop that hideous rumor from leaving Grant's mouth?
Dr. Meridian: Well, no. But perhaps we can talk about it—just you and me, Jervis. So you can let it all out, and I will be here for you. Perhaps over this.
*Meridian pulls out a picnic basket and opens it as Jervis looks up to see. *
Mad Hater: Curiouser and curiouser. What have you in...gasp!
*She pulls out a pot of tea and some saucers.*
Dr. Meridian: Perhaps over some tea. It's my own special tea.
Mad Hatter: *Smiles* I trust you have some treats as well?
Dr. Meridian: Hold this pot, and you'll see.
*Jervis takes the pot out of her hands, takes out a small blanket, and lays it on the table. Placing the utensils on the table, Dr. Meridian pulls out plates of cake, cookies, and tarts.*
Dr. Meridian: Homemade as well.
Mad Hatter: O yes, yes, yes! Frabjous Day! Callooh! Callay! Let us have some refreshments; I have much to say.
*Dr. Meridian smiles and sits down with her plate as Jervis pours them both some tea. He holds the teacup and looks at the plate of goodies before reaching out for a cake that says, 'Eat me!'*
Mad Hatter: Alright, Doctor, ask away. No need to be shy; I have all day.
Dr. Meridian: So, Jervis, I suppose we should ask the big one first. How did this rumor of you and children begin, and how did it get out of control as it has?
Mad Hatter: *Sips his tea and takes a bite out of his cake before breathing deeply.* Long ago now, when all was fair. A man met a maiden with rich blonde hair. Alice was her name and was a rain of joy. A lovely dream for every boy. But denied them she did, their hopes undone. For in her blue eyes, there was only one. He was a shy young man who never found his voice. But that shy man was the maiden's choice. Invited him, she did, for a night so grand. She showed him that life could be Wonderland. Common loves they shared, for the stories of old. For his hobbies, she shared, and her secrets she told. So one night, they spent in the tunnel of love: just two young misfits, the duck and his dove. *Breathing becomes heavier.* But in the height of their love, there stood one man. Jealous was he, and he had a plan. Lies he would spread in everyone's ears. Lies he would spread, much to the duck's tears. His voice was unheard; his voice was then hushed. For everyone turned against him, and his heart was crushed. When upon his knees, he begged her to stay. To hear his story, to what he had to say. But she dared not look, her eyes full of pain. She called him a monster; she called him insane. *Sniffling* He came to her then, his voice like a call. He knew he had won; he now had it all. A bully was he, since their only youth. Continued he did, twisting the truth. Stole her he did, left the duck in the rain. All he could do now...was...was...cry out in pain!
Jervis drops the cup and cups his hands as he heavily weeps.
Mad Hatter: He ruined everything! All that he could see! He was the real monster! Him, not me!
Dr. Meridian: *Sheds a tear, gets up from the chair and hugs Jervis.* Oh, Jervis, I'm so sorry.