[012]

[fortune_sought]

[when Sophie turns on her CAT, her expression is neutral--very carefully so. on the surface, she seems normal, but someone looking closely might notice that her eyes are a bit red and puffy. otherwise, she has a blue shawl wrapped around her shoulders and is seated on the sofa in her townhome. as soon as she begins to speak, that neutral expression goes out the window, and her bitterness is clear]

Since they've so graciously given us some time to ourselves, I think we should use it wisely. It's been cold all day, and--knowing this town--that means it'll be worse tomorrow. I suggest everyone visit the stores and prepare for that. Also, I am going to knit hats and gloves with protective charms in them for anyone who is interested. If you'd like some, please stop by my townhome so I can take measurements.

[she pauses] And...to everyone who... [but her voice catches in her throat, and she lets it trail off. she swallows hard before adding, quickly, her voice thick:] Oh, nevermind! [she quickly shuts off her CAT]

[filtered to Kanaya]

[she takes a moment to collect herself before sending out another message, keeping her tone as businesslike as she can do] I know we met under rather...false pretenses. But if you do know how to knit, and you wouldn't mind, I could use your help. Would you like to?

Comments

[fortune_sought]

[she doesn't look at him] I... [but she's at an uncharacteristic loss for words] I'd rather not talk about it. Or--or about the last several weeks at all!

[lamb_of_gold]

I don't think anyone does, but ignoring them does not make them disappear.

[fortune_sought]

[quietly] No. [but her voice raises in volume as she angrily adds:] But this town seems to think it can make everything else about our lives disappear if it feels like it!

[lamb_of_gold]

Anger is distracting. Get it off your chest.

[fortune_sought]

[snaps] I'll be angry if I like, thank you!

[but as soon as she says it, she realises that snapping at Mu is rather unkind. even so, she huffs stubbornly. after a brief pause, though, she asks:] Have you spoken to the person who answers Nathan's CAT?

[lamb_of_gold]

[He had a retort, but the change of subject silences it.]

No. Has something happened?

[fortune_sought]

Not recently, no. But... [she pauses, hesitant] He--it, whoever it is--told me that would happen before it did.

[lamb_of_gold]

He...Sophie, did he tell you anything else?

[fortune_sought]

[she shakes her head] Not exactly. He said... [she sighs, fighting a growing lump in her throat] He said that we were already home and just hadn't realised it. And I said home was with my husband and son, so he... [she cuts off, swallowing hard. when she speaks again, her voice is tight] Well, perhaps he didn't so much tell me what would happen as decide what would happen. Because of me.