{ text } forward dated to April 30th and the event

[frostedplum]

[ Seeing how Mei lives on Chioni with all of four other people, when her dreams have her running to her balcony to be sick over the edge, she doesn't organize a block party afterwards to discuss it. Instead, she goes back inside and creates a cocoon out of the blankets on her bed. She tries to read, but there's a listlessness to her now. A gnawing in her stomach and an odd feeling that feels very... isolating. She shivers and opens up her TAB. There are different kinds of isolation, but the kind that reminds Mei of a cryogenic tube and being the last left alive is the kind that frightens her. She needs to know she isn't alone. ]

Is anyone else awake? Would you like to keep each other company? I woke up not feeling very well and I don't think I could fall asleep right now.

Comments

[shadowblends]

you're welcome, mei! i've been doing all right. what about you?
most of my time has been spent volunteering at the hospital and working on school things for the mansion.
whenever i have the time, i try to get out and do less stressful activities.

[frostedplum]

Very well until tonight. I work for the scientists on Chioni taking samples of the rocks and soil. I also look at data collected on precipitation and temperatures here. I know that probably sounds boring, but it's actually really fun for me! I love analyzing data!

Volunteering is a great thing to do, but what are some less stressful activities you do, if you don't mind me asking?

[shadowblends]

to be honest, that doesn't sound boring at all!
it sounds like a job that you enjoy and if that's so, it's never time wasted to do something you take pleasure in.
how is the weather over there, by the way? aside from 'erratic.'

not at all. i help doctor arbuckal and miss angela with their orchards, go for coffee, check out the shops ... anything that i might find relaxing at the time.

[frostedplum]

Oh, it varies between burning hot and bitterly cold. But I'm used to extreme conditions! You just have to take the proper precautions and have the right supplies.

I do wish Chioni had some shops and things! But then again, if it did, I probably wouldn't come visit Kauto as often as I do. I like this one shop in Region 5. It sells things that are artistically Chinese. The owner said that generations ago, their Chinese ancestors came here. I've bought some nice lanterns there.

[shadowblends]

i have to admit, i most likely wouldn't enjoy living on chioni. i don't like being too hot or too cold. specifically, the former, since you can always pile on more layers to keep warm.

that's very true! when you say 'lanterns,' do you mean those fancy paper ones? pardon my lack of knowledge - those are the only ones that i know of. have any of their family or whatnot stayed around thisavrou?

[frostedplum]

These are made from a wire frame and a very light stretchy fabric with embroidered patterns on them. They're very pretty! Here's a picture:

[ She's gone out of her bedroom and snapped an image for him. ]

[shadowblends]

[He marvels at the picture for a long moment, grinning and wondering what it would cost to get a few of his own.]

they're beautiful! how much did you spend on them?

[frostedplum]

Aren't they? They were 15 sencs each.

[ So not too outrageous, but definitely a luxury item; not a necessity. ]

[shadowblends]

[Taking into account how many sencs Kurt currently has, he'd have no problem getting a few.]

that's not bad at all! i might have to get a few.

how are you feeling now, by the way?

[frostedplum]

Oh good! They're such a nice accessory to have to brighten up a room.

I'm feeling much better now. Talking has helped take my mind off things.

[shadowblends]

do they have lots of colors? i'll at least want yellow, red and blue.

ah, good! i'm glad i've been able to help distract you from your illness.

[frostedplum]

Yes, they have those colors! There were also white, green, and pink there that I saw. Perhaps more.

It was really nice of you to reach out to me! I think I'll be able to sleep easier now.

[shadowblends]

ah, i might have to get a white one, too! all of the colors sound so great, though ...

of course, mei! if you ever need someone to talk to, i'm only a message away.

[frostedplum]

That's really great to hear! And the same goes the other way. If you ever need me, I'm here.

But for now, good night, Kurt!

[shadowblends]

i'll remember that! i'm glad i was finally able to return the favor.

have a good night and sleep well, mei!