01

[papartner]

From: Kazuki Kurusu
To: Everyone
Subject: [ this field unintentionally left blank ]

[ Whatever starts appearing in the journals looks a little messy. No, the writer is not drunk. They're upset. They're weepy, they're having A Time. ]

We left in October but got here in July... and now it's four months later and it's November here and back home, it's... That means today... today would be our daughter's birthday, AGAIN. And because of the time difference... It means I missed it TWICE! Our daughter's fifth birthday!! TWICE!! The FIRST one we would have spent together, and I'm not even THERE! Not there to make her THE BEST CAKE EVER, and decorate the house, and celebrate! I don't know how I'll ever make it up to her, she'll never get that I missed it two times... Wait. WAIT. does that mean she's two years older now?? My baby is growing up without me?! No WAY! Soon she'll be dating that little CREEP and then getting married and -

[ if someone were around the tree house Kazuki resides in, they would hear a pained shriek, followed by HE BETTER STAY AWAY WHILE WE'RE ASLEEP. It, in fact, disturbs some of the birds in the branches nearby, and they fly out of the tree at the sudden noise. Oops. ]

Comments

[papartner]

A guy just wants a LITTLE bit of evidence, you know?! Something that proves it! The thought that it might not be true and she's all alone is just too much for me!! The thought that I'm missing ANYTHING is just not okay!!

If only she had just come with us! This wouldn't even be a problem!

[untwisted]

I'm so sorry. That is a very difficult situation. We could try to gather information to be sure you're not really missing anything.

[After a few moments.]

Oh right! I believe you can use those baubles we're sometimes given at the Observatory. It lets you see what's going on back in your regular life or something like that. I haven't tried it so I don't know all the details.

[papartner]

[ There's a pause in his own reply because Kazuki can't fathom how proof could even exist unless you can be in both places at once, or something, and it feels a little hopeless. He might just be hunched over his journal with his face pressed on the page, feeling a little defeated.

But. ]

You can use them like that? I don't remember if anyone told me that! That would be the perfect way to check in on her--

[untwisted]

It says that on the instructions they usually come with, so that should mean it's possible. I think it's even possible to have someone give you their baubles if they won't be using them. They haven't appeared all that regularly, so you could look in more often that way. I certainly can't think of much else I'd use the ones I've gotten for.

[papartner]

I was so focused on the idea that you could use them for things that I never thought of something like this. I... this is such a good idea. This is a great idea! I have one right now../

[ And there's a chance Rei still has his. He's been too focused on his console to probably care about that stuff. ]

You're a lifesaver.

[untwisted]

Oh, that's wonderful! If you run out, please feel free to let me know. I'm sure plenty of others here could help you by sharing theirs, too.

Please don't mention it. I just happened to remember what I'd read. But I'm very glad to help!

[papartner]

People here are almost too generous... I don't know if I can bring myself to ask just anyone, but I'll definitely keep your offer in mind. Thank you so much. I needed a head cooler than mine, I guess.

[untwisted]

I don't think it's possible to be too generous! Having people who are different to work with you is always a benefit, too.

[papartner]

A lot of people aren't interested in giving something up unless they get something out of it, you know...

[untwisted]

I do. But I've always found that this way makes me happier.