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songerein2022-12-16 01:00 pm
dreamposts) wrote in songerein2022-12-16 01:00 pm
Entry tags:
- !event,
- -tdm,
- alastor,
- albedo,
- alisaie leveilleur,
- amy rose,
- anastasia romanova,
- azula,
- baldr,
- blitzø,
- childe/tartaglia,
- della duck,
- demyx,
- denji,
- dohalim il qaras,
- dorian storm,
- eustace,
- flowey,
- general nuadha,
- gina lestrade,
- goro akechi,
- ira,
- isabela madrigal,
- ken amada,
- ken hidaka,
- kenny mccormick,
- kisara,
- kor meteor,
- lady,
- leo valdez,
- link (botw),
- lyria,
- magilou mayvin,
- mizuki okiura,
- penny,
- percy jackson,
- ralsei,
- riku,
- rob,
- roxas,
- ryunosuke akutagawa,
- ryuunosuke akutagawa,
- scaramouche/wanderer,
- somnus lucis caelum,
- sorey,
- soundwave,
- susato mikotoba,
- tifa lockhart,
- trahearne,
- velvet crowe,
- wendy carter,
- zelda (botw),
- zenkichi hasegawa
{ gingerbread town | test drive #09 - december 2022 }
GINGERBREAD TOWN
On Tuesday the 27th, with no warning whatsoever, everyone will awaken and find the entire town transformed into gingerbread and candy, from peppermint candy cane trees, to gumdrop bushes, to chocolate brick roads. They will also find themselves changed into one of the following forms: gingerbread figures, nutcrackers, or wooden figurines. It's a complete transformation—no costumes or partials this time! Although they can move and use most of their abilities, it's a bit hampered when it's also discovered that everything has shrunk down a bit in size. Not only that, but there is an indestructible magiglass dome over the town to prevent anyone from breaking in—or out. So if there is anyone who happened to be out of town at the time, they will not be changed and will be stuck outside. The Tree of Stories, the Observatory, and the Carnival park are excluded from the change and remain normal.
Fortunately a pair of gingerbread twins named "Hansel" and "Gretel" as well as the tapirs are there to help explain what happened. The town has been cursed by the witch who inhabited that suspicious house from the Dream Board, and everyone needs to band together to do two things to break out of curse: 1) gather enough dreamotion music notes to charge up the golden chocolate bell hanging at the Plaza and 2) break into the gingerbread house and destroy the witch.
More details on everything can be found here, but an important reminder that this event log doubles as our Test Drive Meme and information can be found in this section.
This means any outside characters participating in the log are canonly logged as appearing in Songerein in December and will remain in Songerein from the IC date of December 27 through 31. TDM only characters can only thread within this log. Anyone who apps in and is accepted will have their character count December as their first time in the game without any disruption, so all content will carry over. Those who do not apply will disappear which should not seem too unusual as people randomly disappear already, however players in game can choose to retcon and pretend a character was never there to begin with if it would be easier; or even think their presence was just a dream.
IMPORTANT! All outside characters MUST have "TDM" in their subject line, even if you might not app. This will help people differentiate those who are already in the game and those who are not.
TDM threads are required for samples. Refer to the Game Info for general information and feel free to toss any questions here. Reserves will open Sunday, December 25th and Applications will open on January 1st. Our application cycles are bi-monthly so the next cycle after won't be until March.
TDM Toplevel Link Directory (click to view; updated 12/30)
Adventure Time - Finn the Human
Adventure Time - Jake the Dog
Ai: The Somnium Files - Mizuki Okiura
Bleach - Riruka Dokugamine
Bunjou Stray Dogs - Ryunosuke Akutagawa
Chainsaw Man - Denji
Don't Starve Together - Wendy Carter
Fallout 3 - The Lone Wanderer
Final Fantasy XIII-2 - Noel Kreiss
Final Fantasy XIV - Y'shtola Rhul
Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Bernadetta von Varley
Forgotten Realms - Jarlaxle Baenre
Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight - Cassander Timaeus Berenice
Genshin Impact - Amber
Genshin Impact - Scaramouche
Granblue Fantasy - Lyria
Heroes of Olympus - Leo Valdez
Kingdom Hearts - Demyx
Kingdom Hearts - Riku
Persona 5 Strikers - Zenkichi Hasegawa
Pokemon Scarlet/Violet - Penny
Rage of Bahamut - Amira
Shadow Game Series - Enne Salta
South Park - Kenny McCormick
Spark the Electric Jester 1 & 3 - Spark
Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion - Agent 8
Tales of Zestiria - Sorey
Undertale - Flowey
THREAD SUBMISSIONS WILL BE IMPORTANT TO DETERMINE HOW THIS EVENT ENDS FOR JANUARY! We will request them during AC and TDM threads will count. For more information, refer to the Game Notes.
I. IN TOWN
There is a lot to process with everything changed and the appearance of Hansel and Gretel, but by now most people are used to needing to roll up their sleeves and get through the tasks needed to succeed. The giant bell at the Plaza helps serve as a reminder of what they need to do and many will be anxiously watching as the musical notes slowly gather into it. To gather enough notes for the bell, everyone will need to work together and utilize their current forms. Note: all prompts can be done by anyone, however some forms have an advantage over others. Musical notes will automatically appear and go to the bell when the objective is achieved. The gumdrops are also trapped in town and will still pull their "mistletoe" mischief.
A. Woodstock. Those turned into a wooden figure will find they have the least amount of changes appearance wise…but their legs and feet are stuck together, forcing them to hop and slide around. Fortunately they can control their movements and after some adjusting they will find it's not too strenuous to be hopping around everywhere. It can be tough to get up if they fall over, though.- Caroling. What better way to gain notes than making some? With movement a bit limited, singing and playing simple instruments may be the easiest way to help. The catch is the music must be filled with hopeful, cheerful dreamotion strong enough to form those notes, and the instruments can also be a problem. First they have to be found, and then some instruments may try to play music on their own—and it's not always the right genre.
- Snowmen Mayhem. Snowmen can be found all over town, most of them built before the town changed. Now they are coming to life, wearing big, giant frowns as they slowly shamble around and chuck snowballs at everyone they see. Melting them or using physical force only makes them reform back into snowmen. The only way to stop them is to participate in the snowball fight until that frown turns into a smile to release a note! People could even just have a snowball fight around them and it would please the snowmen. Perhaps they just wanted to have fun, too…?
B. Gingerbread Run. Those made of gingerbread will find they are quite fast and even have the urge to run for whatever reason. However, although sturdy enough, they are still fragile and can break easily. Fortunately they can quickly repair themselves with an extra bit of dough and icing, but water is the greatest weakness. A few drops or even a brief dousing won't hurt them too badly (maybe make their icing a little runny), but they can't swim and submerged in water too long will make them very mushy.- Obstacle Course Marathon. Some streets are sectioned off to have a simple marathon for those who just can't help but feel restless and want to run, and notes can be released throughout the course. More like a cross country track, there are numerous "checkpoints" participants must pass through while shouting the famous line, "Run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man!" Each checkpoint mimics the story of "The Gingerbread Man."
- Avoid the "old ladies" swinging candy canes (non gingerbreads can take this role to help)
- Outrun the plush pups and kittens (or just stay and play with them, also valid)
- Climb up and over the makeshift marshmallow chocolate wall (don't let it melt!)
- Use the "foxboat" (swan boats altered to look like foxes) to peddle across the river (don't sink!)
- Dash through the finish line
- Avoid the "old ladies" swinging candy canes (non gingerbreads can take this role to help)
Since it's designed as a group marathon, participants are encouraged to help each other. More notes gained, the better!
C. Nutcrackin' Around. Nutcrackers have a sturdier build compared to the general wooden population, with powerful jaws and already armed with a weapon—even if it might feel more like a toy. Their movements might feel a bit stiff, but they have their strength to make up for it. - Get Crackin'. Built to crack nuts, it's no surprise that Nutcrackers are assigned to crack through as many nuts and hard candies to try and find some notes hidden within. They have to go to the farm fields to find the right trees to harvest from, and anyone can assist in this. If they listen carefully, they might be able to hear the note ringing inside as a hint. But they also need to be careful—some nuts are actually cursed and once cracked open will cause the individual to brandish their weapons (or whatever they have on hand) to attack those nearby. Unfortunately there's no tell, so it's truly luck of the draw. Shove a jawbreaker in their mouth and they'll be back to normal. With a slightly damaged jaw, maybe.
- Mouse Infestation. Large, toy wind-up mice are causing havoc around town. Although they are just oversized toys and don't attack, they're crashing into buildings and chasing people. Anyone can try to catch and slow them down, but a Nutcracker is the only one capable of inflicting enough damage to break the gears inside and stop it for good. Doing so will release a note.
D. Candy Monsters. While the town is mostly safe, nightmare energy is seeping in from everyone's initial fears and chaos and absorbed into all the candy and delicious goods that make up the town. It makes them come to life to turn into aggressive and sometimes cute monsters made out of candy. Fortunately, they are not too difficult to fend off even with everyone changed into different forms, and dreamotion abilities are in full effect. Other creative ways to defeat them like dumping boiling water or freezing them can also be used.
II. TRAIN CARS
All aboard the Dreamer Express! The toy train has a simple track that circles around the town with the main station right at the Plaza. Anyone can hop on to either enjoy the ride or help get those notes.
A. Past, Present, Future. There are three particular cars that Hansel and Gretel will encourage most to go through because the notes in these cars will be the strongest. When going through either of the "Past," "Present," or "Future" cars, everyone will have a "Scrooge" experience and walk through either a happy or difficult memory or made up simulation of that set time period. The primary theme for each one is something that the individual can learn or reflect on. The experience can be done solo or with a partner. If with a partner, only one simulation will be active, but the other person's could begin after the first ends. Sometimes the memories will be passive like watching a movie and will only stimulate emotional reactions. However, the stronger the memory, the more realistic it will become, to the point that one will live through it all and must face and interact with whatever is there to get through. Once they reach the exit, the note will be granted.B Unboxing. Most of the train cars are either passenger cars or boxcars filled with presents. A lot of presents. Guess where a lot of notes are hidden. While opening presents seems like a simple task, it can be tricky when some gifts are actually mimics that will pull unsuspecting individuals inside of them instead. Fortunately they are not too difficult to beat up and free the trapped prisoner.
C. Hot! Hot! Ooh, We Got It! There is a special car that's only purpose is to serve hot chocolate…as a musical number. Witness or perhaps even participate as servers dance around with extremely hot chocolate and somehow not spill a drop—or maybe someone gets scalded by an unfortunate spill. But when it's all done, anyone can enjoy some different flavors that can last for quite a while (ie as long as you want it) :- Regular chocolate: Makes the drinker nostalgic, particularly for something in their childhood.
- Peppermint: Gives the drinker a spark of inspiration to work on something creative.
- Caramel: Gives the drinker extra energy, making them unable to stay still without doing something.
- Raspberry: Makes the drinker want to get back to nature by finding an outdoor activity to do.
- Spicy (chili powder and cinnamon): Makes the drinker feel more amorous than usual.
III. WITCH'S HOUSE
Getting the notes is just one half of the equation. To completely beat the curse, the witch behind this needs to be defeated. But it won't be easy with everyone transformed and the witch quite powerful. The gingerbread house has a lot of traps inside, from sticky paper to snapping mouse traps to licorice that try to tie them down.
A. Breaking into the Gingerbread House. The witch's gingerbread house will be the biggest piece compared to everything else. The original defense mechanisms are in place and people can get sucked inside like before, however there is no easy way out. A little stealth can help gain an advantage especially as the battle begins by those who enter first. B. Escape Routes. While some may try to let themselves get caught to get inside faster, having an escape route would be prudent. Since they are smaller in size, it'll be easier to sneak around the house and try to carve a piece out of it to make a hole, or maybe something from the windows or chimney. Multiple routes would be ideal, just be careful not to get caught!
C. Fighting the "Witch." For those expecting some creepy old woman, they will be in for a surprise. The "witch" is actually the oven itself, moving and operating as if it were alive. Rather, perhaps the oven is what the original witch of Hansel and Gretel has become as an eerie cackling can be heard when the doors open and fire flickers out. Regardless, despite its form the "witch" will be a difficult foe to defeat due to its sheer size and everyone still in smaller forms. Restrain it, try to douse the flames, but another effective way to stop it is to just fill its mouth with anything that can go inside, from candy and baked goods, to pots and pans. The more it consumes, the slower it moves. Time to over stuff the oven.
no subject
Sorey is just starting to search for the words to save his sorry life (something like "I'm sorry I'm just extremely stupid for my lifelong partner and best friend and every tiny little thing that reminds me of him sends me spiraling into a blind fit of nostalgia" might work) when the voices of two excitable children come scampering town a nearby set of stairs, laughing and shoving playfully at each other as they hurtle toward a nearby wall carving.
One is obviously a younger Sorey, ear cuffs identical with the same mop of messy brown hair. The other...maybe looks a little like Alisaie? Delicate features, silvery hair and long lashes, elegant fingers for a child. A boy for certain, but admittedly a lovely one.
The children squabble a bit in front of the carving before falling silent, staring up at its impressive height in awe.]
Ah! See, that's us! That's Mikleo in the blue coat. [Sorey forgets that his life is in danger and he sinks into a crouch, hugging his knees a bit as he watches the children start to debate over how something that tall was carved.] Gosh...we're so little. This is before my growth spurt hit.
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Alisaie is impatiently waiting for him to say something after her inquiry. Since they are on the train, memories are bound to play anytime and at the most inconvenient moments. Somehow, Sorey is saved from any more of her offended questioning because she does look a little piqued by the younger version of this person and the white-haired partner he mentioned in their conversation
The description is pretty uncanny. Mikleo did have very prominent features. At some angles, he does look a little similar to her, minus obvious details.
Alisaie watched the children debate over something so menial. Their bickering reminded her of the times she and her brother had argued over similar things. As much as she wanted to remain upset with him, she doesn't. At least not after seeing his reaction to those memories and reminiscing on them. They also have an objective to complete. She's still a peeved, but-- ]
The two of you seem very close. Mayhap, you have a point about-- our appearances [ a breath ] But that doesn't mean you should say whatever comes to mind.
no subject
Sorey stays crouched there, watching the memory play itself out. The boys argue, equal parts excited and exhausted, dirty but in good spirits as they pace along the carvings.
Sorey would probably be content to stay here and watch, eager for any glimpse of Mikleo he can find, but he is stringing along some company so he should probably be considerate.] ...so, do we just sit here and watch? Was it like this when you were inside the cars earlier?
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The memory continues to play, most likely continuing the endeavors of two dust-covered children. It's definitely a sight. If Sorey wanted to lament his memories, she wouldn't stop him. She's sitting through her own experience in the end. ]
From what I was told, the memory must be experienced until the end. I've interacted with my memories to conclude the train's interference. I heard that depending on the individuals, the interactions might be different. In my case, I had to come to terms with certain events of my past. In other situations, one must look where something precious is stored away.
[ She's only remembered Somnus trying to explain the ordeal to her and Madhuri asking here where something precious was stored away. Those were the only clues she had at that time and the notes were found with ease afterward. ]
Mayhap, you have a place that you consider precious or important?
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Augh, [scratches a hand through his hair anxiously,] we came in here so often that I'm not even sure when we found what. It could be anything in here. [Behind him, the children start to scamper away further down the passage.]
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[ She's not sure since it's not an experience she's dealt with many times. It's still foreign to her and she's still trying to figure out the core cause of it. ]
Do you have hideouts or secret places you go to or frequent?
[ She glances at the children scampering away. ] We could also follow the younger versions of you and Mikleo.
[ She points casually down the passage. ]
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[He jogs after the kids, glancing back to make sure he's not losing his new friend before coming up short at the bottom of the staircase, the children at the top with a door open to trees under a starry night and a short, weathered old man with his arms around them both as they clutch at his robes.]
Oh. ...that's my Gramps, [Sorey says woodenly, not ascending the stairs.]
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[ It does seem that way. Alisaie won't be surprised if that is the case. It seems like a place the two of them frequent based on how Sorey is speaking. She keeps up with no issues, making sure the two of them don't lose the younger versions of him and his partner.
When they come to a clearing with an opened door, she can see the glittering night sky and the two children.
Alisaie paused as well. She knows that this is Sorey's memories but the strange feeling she gets from watching the two young boys hold onto their grandfather tugs at her heart ever so slightly. She puts a hand to her chest, briefly thinking about her own grandfather. It is when she notices that Sorey doesn't move, that she tilts her head briefly, before speaking and letting the thoughts dissipate for a moment. ]
Your gramps? [ There's a pause before she added. ] Is something the matter? If he's your gramps we should approach him.
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...I don't think I can, [Sorey says, trying on a smile that looks a bit desperate at the corners. He wrings his hands in his white cloak, pulling at it slightly. Everything that happened at the end, it just- there was no time to process. No time to come to terms with any of it, and then he woke up here.] Sorry. You go ahead? Maybe you can end the memory if you get to the top.
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What do you mean you ca--
[ The expression on his face stops her question. Something is very wrong with his demeanor. It is completely from his previous expressions, almost a little too forced. ]
I'm not quite certain it will work. I can give it a try. You will have to do it yourself if the memory doesn't end. It is your memory after all.
[ She can't be too imposing, so she decides this is the best way she can phrase her next question. It comes off a little awkward, but there's genuine concern laced in the question as she rephrases it to sound less direct. ] Mayhap I'm imposing, but is there a reason why you can't proceed?
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[He fixes his eyes on Mikleo's small head of silvery hair instead and starts to ascend the staircase. It's not fair of him to use his own feelings as an excuse to make his new friend (because they are friends of course) do all the work, here. Especially not since he asked her to come with him in the first place.]
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Aye, it is for the best.
[ She'll give him a push if he needs it.
Feelings are complicated and not easy to come to terms with. Even for someone like Alisaie who wears her emotions on her sleeve most of the time. She'd be quite flattered that he considers her a friend already, since they barely just met. She also sort of just yelled at him about something ridiculous as being called pretty. ]
You can take as much time as you need.
[ It is better not to force it. She doesn't want to do that. The people that approached her were also accommodating when she struggled through her own memories. ]
no subject
Sorey doesn't falter as he climbs the staircase, up to the landing where the old man holds his grandchildren, and one more step results in the image dissipating like smoke. There's something like a muffled scream, strained and cracked, weathered and weak, and then a bright white light blooms over he and Alisaie both, engulfing them.
When Sorey manages to blink away the shadows and lowers his hand, he can see they're standing in a vast snowfield. Icebergs and cliffs jut from the ground, cracks in the ice glowing a brilliant, unnatural blue. The air is so cold Sorey feels like his breath should freeze the second it leaves his lips, but he exists apart from this place. Still there's a sense of...of urgency about them. Of lives hanging in the balance. Blood spatters the snow nearby.
Sorey turns to look at Alisaie grimly.]
apologies for the delay ;A;
Alisaie continues to follow him silently to the landing as she watches the old man and his grandchildren. In moments, they dissipated and the sound following the dissipating old man and the children alerted her. Why did those muffled screams sound so familiar? She squints her eyes when the bright light hit them. She rubs them briefly after a moment and stares at a familiar snowfield.
Her eyes widened. ]
By the Twelve...
[ If she's not mistaken and her memories are still very clear, she knows exactly what is going on and when Sorey turns to Alisaie, he will probably notice the look of recognition. Of all the blasted memories she had to experience... ]
no subject
lmk if anything needs to be adjusted! - Spoilers for Endwalker below + cw: blood/death!
She shakes her head. ]
It’s fine.
[ She takes a few steps in the snow, feeling the same sense of urgency. She can already hear the heavy breaths of both her and her brother, running in the direction of another figure, whose physical appearance is obscured. The urgency is met with a full view of the bodies covered in blood on the white snow, and a version of her during that time.
“Blood…trails, we found one. They were attacked---“
Her voice stops in her throat. The obscured figure shakes their head sadly.
“No.”
Her mouth tightens and her breath hitched.
“Why…why wouldn’t they…”
Back then, they were only trying to help the survivors. Alisaie and Alphinaud never meant to have anyone harmed. Even her brother admitted, that they were intruding, and unwelcomed. They were naive then to think that Garlemald would openly accept their assistance after so much history. Even so, they truly wanted help.
Unfortunately, These sisters would rather brave the wild than be helped by magic. A harsh reminder that they can't save everyone. It is painful to think about, but she's aware now that perhaps, they should have approached things differently then. Maybe the outcome would not have been so tragic. Though there's nothing she can do now, to learn from those experiences and weigh the consequences of their actions. ]
…
[ This train certainly likes to dig deep into her memories. It’s one experience after another. ]
feel free to drop this if u like, catching up - Spoilers for Endwalker below + cw: blood/death!
She's braver than he is, by far. Sorey couldn't even let someone watch his other memory, out of shame. Yet here she is, facing the pain this memory causes unflinchingly, and letting others look upon it as well.
Sorey's fingers twitch and his hand lifts- he hesitates a moment before he completes the gesture and slowly, slowly takes her hand in his. She wasn't there alone when this first happened; her sibling, twin perhaps, and the other figure who seems to be someone she knows. She shouldn't be alone this time either.]
we can keep going! I'm sure we can prob wrap this up in a few tags!
I'm not a child you know?
[ Despite her retort, Alisaie doesn't make any move to reject his gesture. She understands his gesture and part of her might have needed the gesture. It's still a bit embarrassing to have her hand held. ]
My brother was right when he said we were invaders and trespassers. Trust is not easily gained, despite our intentions. We should have worked harder to earn their trust. Mayhap then, Licinia and her sister would not have risked their lives.
[ She couldn't even say anything back then. All she could do was listen to Alphinaud's words. The same words resonated with her all the same. She didn't need to say anything to show that she understood. That's why they agreed to do what they can to ensure that they can save as many people as possible and that no one would die the way Licinia and her sister did. ]
no subject
It's rare for someone's heart to be changed so easily, though. [Sorey doesn't make a move to hold her hand more tightly, nor does he let her hand go. He's not exactly thrilled to see the bodies of two girls on the blood-spattered snow, either.] You don't seem the type to do things halfway. Despite trying everything...sometimes suffering still happens.
no subject
I know that.
[ She retorted. If there was something she learned while traversing all over Eorzea, it was the unwavering conviction that many had about their morals and goals. Sometimes, so much that they would cause destruction wherever they went. It’s the same conviction that keeps her going. Everyone has their own goal. She understands that. Regardless, it still doesn’t make her feel any better about the situation then. ]
Of course not! It would be insulting otherwise to do things half-heartedly.
[ Alisaie unconsciously tightens her grip on his hand for a moment before remembering that he was still holding her hand. He's not wrong and she knows very well how people suffer. Every action has its consequences and she can't save every single person she comes across. Tragedy happens and that's something she's learned to accept. However, it doesn't make her feel any better about it. ]
Aye. It's inevitable no matter how much I'd like to think otherwise.
no subject
[The memory isn't fading. Is there something else to do?]
no subject
Aye. It wasn't quite the image my brother and I had of the world when we left home.
[ Not in a million years did she expect to see the things she did. The innocent thoughts of wanting to see what kind of world her grandfather saved, had thrown her and Alphinaud in for a wake-up call. Alisaie lets the memory play its final parts. Alphinaud and Alisaie in the memory converse about not wanting to leave the bodies in the cold. They collected the bodies and carried them off. The scene briefly changes to the graves they dug for the two sisters. Their companion also was by their side. One last prayer and the memory fade, with Alisaie speaking slightly. ]
My brother and I learned that the world my grandfather saved was both incredibly beautiful and cruel at the same time. We were naive then.
You are right. People's hearts cannot easily be changed. However, there were many people whose hearts were changed because of what I-- what we did.
[ She gives a soft laugh. It's dry. After a moment, she offered him a small smile. She lets go of his hand. It must be turning white by now. ]
I suppose that makes us even, our memories I mean. Thank you for listening.