audio;

[overdraws]

[ Allison sounds kind of pensive, and she's actually hesitated asking this question directly on the network in the first place, but at the same time, she wants an answer and isn't sure anyone from home can give it to her. If she's going to worry them anyway, she might as well get one, right? ]

So, how does time work here? Back home, it was November, and I've been here at least three jumps... so I guess it would be.. [ She counts silently for a second. ] March? Which means I missed my birthday. Is that how it works?

[ She goes to end the call, but doesn't end it before people can hear her mumble: ]

I never thought I'd get to see it.

Comments

[overdraws]

....Oh. [ COLOR HER SURPRISED. ] That's....

[ No, really, what do you even say to that? ] Great?

[acapriciousthing]

It just is, really.

[What do you really say to that?]

[overdraws]

[ This is awkward. ] How did you-- I mean-- sorry. I've just never met someone your age before.

[acapriciousthing]

Most people haven't. I'm an anthropomorphic personification.

[Obviously that explains everything]

[overdraws]

[ Actually, she's not that phased by it. ] Of what?

[acapriciousthing]

Death. Some people prefer to call me Didi.

[She adds the second part automatically at this point. She's used to people being a bit uncomfortable with the death thing.]

[overdraws]

[ She's silent for a long, long moment. Finally, she says just one thing, and it's not uncomfortable, per se. Maybe a little bit thoughtful. ] Really? Back home, I... [ There's another pause. ] It's nice to meet you, Didi. I'm Allison.

[acapriciousthing]

Good to meet you, Allison.

You're not the first person I've run into who is... back home.

[overdraws]

How did they... how'd they cope?

[acapriciousthing]

A lot of them seem to take this as a second chance.

Others... it takes time. And it helps to have friends.

[overdraws]

No one really thought it was weird? That it was over and then... not? I mean I... I was ready.