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[poupeechan.livejournal.com]

[Nanako may be the most technologically out-of-touch person she knows, but she's sure plantlife and technology do not go together, and neither do cats giving her mysterious letters. It's too surreal to be true; even after she's read the paper multiple times and pinched her arm in an attempt to wake up, she's convinced she must be dreaming. Even she isn't so whimsical as to believe this can be real. 

The feed opens to an ordinary-looking young girl, her expression more confused than anything.]

Hello? This is Nanako Misonoo, first year, newest entree to the Seiran School Sorority. I think there's been a mistake; I never heard of a trip to any gardens being scheduled. Today there's the annual poetry reading meeting, and the Flower-Arrangement Club after classes as well, so I can't stay here.

Does anyone know where I can arrange for a ride home?

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[poupeechan.livejournal.com]

[Seven months? Her smile fades into a sympathetic frown at the weariness in her voice. She isn't sure if she would be able to take seven whole months away from home, and still manage to sound so composed. She takes a deep breath, tyring not to show much her words have shaken her.]

I think, maybe an apartment would be nice. I'm used to living in a large house, but I wouldn't want to stay there by myself.

...When you said, seven months, you weren't serious, were you? I can't stay here. I have school and the Sorority to attend, and my friends and family will be concerned.

[headedforhope]

I can show you the place, if you'd like. Gabrielle Monsigny, the creator and landlady, would undoubtedly love to have you.

[The question makes her pause. She idly plays with one haircurl; pulls it out slightly, lets it sproing back into place. The smile doesn't waver.]

Yes, I was being serious. It might almost be seven months to the day, if I've been keeping proper track.....well, regardless, you might not have any cause to worry on that front. However, I wonder if you can accept my explanation for saying so....

[Mami regards Nanako steadily, if politely as ever. As if sizing her up...but not unkindly.]

[poupeechan.livejournal.com]

Yes... I'd like that very much. [However, her reply is softer than usual. It's not so much she can't believe it, so much as she doesn't want to believe it. She has to spend months without seeing her loved ones. Months without greeting her mother in the morning, months without talking with her friends about idle topics...months without St. Juste.]

Am I allowed to send letters? I have a penpal back home, who's like an older brother to me. I like to write to him every now and then.

[headedforhope]

[Another pause, and Mami's calm smile noticeably falters. What Nanako is asking is not something Mami has ever considered, has ever had any reason to. Her parents are dead; she lived alone; friendship was only ever a brief and shining thing. To say nothing of how she herself is deceased. Mami has no one to write to - hasn't for a long time. She sucks in a small breath and recomposes herself.]

...you can write your letters, if it gives you comfort, but I'm afraid to say that they won't be sent. We really are cut off from our homes here - all of us.

[She says it softly, an apologetic edge to her voice.]

[poupeechan.livejournal.com]

[She notices the hesitation and the apology in her voice, and while disappointed, she can't bring herself to protest. None of this is Mami's fault anyway; she's just the bearer of unfortunate news.

Not only can't she see anyone from home, she can't call or mail them either. It truly does feel isolated, but she forces her loneliness down. She can cry once the feed in turned off, she doesn't want to trouble this girl any longer.]

I...see. U-um―thank you for informing me. I wouldn't want to try sending them, only to receive them back. At least I can still write; it will just be like a diary instead.

[headedforhope]

You're welcome, Misonoo-san. And that's a good, productive idea...perhaps it's something I too should take up. [There's a pang of concern, the need to somehow soothe.] ....It really can be overwhelming, this situation. I'm afraid I've been here so long that I might have forgotten the true extent of that. Is there anything else I can do that might help?

[poupeechan.livejournal.com]

[She shakes her head, doing her best to sound thankful, instead of stewing in her own unhappiness.]

No, I'll―I'm alright. I don't think there's anything that you can do to help, but I appreciate the offer, Tomoe-san.

Although...there is someone I'm looking for. If you can tell me, if you ever see a woman with long, blonde hair, wearing a man's suit, I'd like that.

[headedforhope]

Ah, please think nothing of it. I'm always glad to try. [An understanding smile, and Mami lets the matter drop...for now.] All right, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for this lady. May I ask for her name?

[poupeechan.livejournal.com]

Her real name is Rei Asaka, though she also goes by St. Juste of the Flowers, or just St. Juste. I don't think I'll ever meet her here, but I'd be happy if I could.

[headedforhope]

[interesting title, that]

I don't intend to get your hopes up, but such a meeting might not be totally out of the question; I have been reunited with those I never believed I could see again, in my time here. [There's an encouraging sort of coax to her voice, subtle but there.] Ah, but in any case, I'll remember the name- and let you know if I ever encounter her.