chasma | barok van zieks

[syndromed]

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[syndromed]

It's really easy to look like you're in lots of pain.

[ she demonstrates, curling up a little and making a sad-injured-baby face. ... then she straightens back up. ]

And acting shocked that you're not in pain isn't so difficult either.

[winebar]

[He nods.]

... Frankly, I hope it was a farce. Because if it's true... then that may have been the only thing preventing him from hurting people here.

[syndromed]

Even though it seemed over the top...

If you believe him, it sounded like he wanted it back.

[ weird. ]

[winebar]

[Yeah.... weird is right.]

He's a truly confounding man. But if he wants it, let him have it. I'd rather have one threat eliminated.

[syndromed]

One less suspect each week could be nice.

[winebar]

... [He supposes!!]

And how are you feeling, miss Furude?

[syndromed]

... I still don't like this situation we're in.

But I can see that many people are working hard to do good, even those doing things I know nothing about.

[ so somewhat... cautiously optimistic? ]

[winebar]

... Do you intend to watch tomorrow?

[syndromed]

I would prefer to.

I don't want to let the number of things I don't know for myself increase when they don't have to.

[winebar]

We can tell you how it went, miss Furude. You don't have to witness such things.

[syndromed]

And if someone lies to me or omits a detail? How many people should I ask, to make sure I know what happened?

[winebar]

[UGH.]

You will at least avert your eyes from the worst of it, won't you?

[syndromed]

Sure.

[ no. ]

[winebar]

[MA'AM!!!]

... You know, I have a niece that's about your age.

[syndromed]

Is that why you're so nice to me?

[ adults sure love to project other children onto her. ]

[winebar]

... I suppose, perhaps? Not that you remind me of her, in fact I barely know her. I did not know I had a niece until very recently.

[syndromed]

Was it kept a secret from you on purpose?

[ strange. ]

[winebar]

I suppose, yes, but not from me specifically. From everyone. Even she does not know my brother was her real father.

[syndromed]

[ ah... family drama. ]

Family relationships can be complex.

[winebar]

[Hm.]

They can be. But she is a happy and vibrant young lady, which is all I can really ask for.

[syndromed]

Can you tell her?

[winebar]

[He shakes his head.]

... My brother was a great man. But he... it turns out he'd done something terrible. And that thing is about to be made known to the general public. I do not want to burden her with the knowledge of that man being her father, and neither does her adoptive father. Not until she's older, at least.

[syndromed]

That sounds like a kind decision.

[winebar]

It is a decision I understand. I only wish...

[He shakes his head.]

Things worked out for the best.

[syndromed]

You wish things could be different.

But you have to work with them as they are.