[voice]

[hihou]

-The voice on the other end is... tired. Weak from fasting. But probably from spending days upon days crying in her room as well. No one is keeping score.-

If my miracle powers were working... I could solve this famine. Why won't they work? Why can't I do any good here?

... I really am just taking up space, aren't I? A waste of everyone's time...

Comments

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ Subaru knows Sanae isn't talking exclusively about her, but the words still faintly sting. ] The fact that you're even worried about what people think and that you want to contribute... it says a lot to me. There are still things you can do for others without needing to rely on miracles.

[hihou]

I have nothing left.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

You still have your hands, right?

[hihou]

What?

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Your hands! And your voice. And your desire to help people. Those are still things you have and can work with. That wasn't taken away from you, and you can't give it up just like that, either!

[hihou]

... That's so easy for you to say. You're a hero.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Nothing about this place is easy. [ Maybe she believed it, before, but not with recent events. ] I'm just a person, same as you. [ That's stretching the idea in many ways, but it was true in all the ways that count. ] You can still make a difference, in some way, and I know if you just stopped talking like this you'd see that.

[hihou]

I really should just stop talking... And you should stop wasting your time with me.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ Subaru takes a deep breath and just sits in silence a moment. She can't do anything about Sanae feeling like that, but being idle... that doesn't sit well with her. ] Do you know how to fish?

[hihou]

... huh?

[of_the_highest_caliber]

I thought about finding some streams that are a bit farther out, for fish. But I shouldn't go out that far on my own. I wanted to know if you could come with me.

[hihou]

... You should take someone else.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

I want to go with someone who hasn't been, so far, since everyone else is so busy. Besides, it doesn't have to be all work — we can cook something for ourselves on the spot, like a picnic or camping trip. I'll make it fun, just give me a chance!

[hihou]

I don't want to go.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

All right, Sanae. I'll be sure to bring a share by the shrine once I've come back. [ She doesn't seem her usual upbeat self, but she won't force the issue. ] Just keep my words in mind, and I hope you feel better. Take care of yourself, okay?

[hihou]

... I'll try. -It's more than most anyone else is getting out of her, so there's that.-

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ Try is just what she was wanting Sanae to do. With a final smile and a little wave, Subaru is gone from the mirror. ]