act27side

I have a friend who's Infected too.

It is almost closing time at the museum. There are no tourists, but the audio tours continue to play on loop. The massive mountain boulder remains silent in the empty gallery.

'The Naumanns left behind thousands of photos and samples...'

'The rebuilding of the villages around Mount Unna...'

'They visited more than a hundred volcanos across numerous countries...'

Did you really see it?

Yes! I saw the ice cream come in here!

You just wanted to come to the museum.

I knew we wouldn't find it. He was lying to us. He didn't go to all those places...

How did you get in? Admission is closed.

Sorry... we'll be going.

Have you seen my dad?

Your dad?

We're looking for a... er... er... adventurer?

He went to a lot of places! In the photos he sent us, there were volcanoes, snow mountains, hills in nomadic cities...

His photo might be in the Volcano Museum!

What's your father's name?

Chuck!

I've never heard of a volcanologist by that name. Maybe you should ask elsewhere.

I may know your dad.

What are you doing here, Adele? And you look awful...

You've seen him?

You said your dad was an adventurer?

Where has he been?

I don't know... he always sends back photos when he visits a place.

I think the last one was from Sargon.

Sargon! I knew it.

My parents were volcanic researchers. They told me a story about when they were surveying in Sargon...

They quickly lost their way in the thick branches and leaves of the rainforest, and it felt like they were wandering around the stomach of a great beast.

Just as they thought they would never get out, they saw a man with leaves all over him.

'Are you lost? Do you need any help?'

He pointed the way for them and took them out of the rainforest. They even saw a sight of sunny rain. My parents were really thankful.

'Thank you so much for helping us out of there! What is your name, sir?'

The man brushed off the leaves, took a photo of the rainforest, and said, 'No need to thank me. The name's Chuck. I'm taking this photo to send to my kids.'

And that's how the photo made it to you.

Really? Sounds made-up...

Of course it's true!

I think I have a photo here somewhere...

Adele digs through the papers and takes out a photo of the Naumanns smiling at the camera, with a few blurred figures behind them.

Look, here's your dad.

(I'm still not sure that's actually my dad...)

(I can't see him clearly, but...)

(I hope he's my dad! That means he helped other adventurers find their way and sent us a photo! What a cool dad!)

(I didn't know you were a storyteller.)

(Just repeating something I heard from mom when I was little, with a few adjustments here and there.)

(There's no reason for a professional volcanic survey team to accept help from an amateur. The story sounds entirely unscientific.)

(Science exists to bring hope to people, doesn't it?

Well, we can't have them running around the museum like this. If their parent or guardian isn't here, I'll take them home.

You look tired, Adele. You should get some rest too.

Come, kids, I'll take you home.

Kahn, I think I should do it.

But you...

It's fine. Let me do it.

They look lonely... I'll keep them company.

Enis!

Enis!

Where did you go?

I found out where dad went!

Make sure you tell your family the next time you go out.

It's you...?

Huh? You're...

I, I...

I'm the one who ran into you today and knocked you out... I'm Enis. I'm their brother. Are you okay? Any dizziness? Dr. Ceylon said... er, she said...

I'm sorry! I didn't mean to run off, but I had to go to work. I'll pay your medical expenses—

Dr. Ceylon told me everything. It's not your fault.

Your little brother and sister must be hungry. You should go home.

Er...

Thank you so much... what's your name?

Call me Adele.

I'll remember... little ones, don't you have something to say to Adele?

Thank you, Adele!

The mischievous boy reaches around the little girl's neck and pats her opposite shoulder.

Huh? Who's there?

The girl looks hesitantly at the troublemaker next to her, who pretends nothing has happened, but could not hold back his laughter.

They chase each other into the shop, into the open arms of their mother, then run back out like frolicking beastling, while their mother tends to dinner being cooked on the stovetop.

Adele breaks out in a smile.

That's so nice to see.

Mr. Enis, do you know one Mr. Pelipper?

The Volcano Museum needs obsidian for its research. I heard you may be able to acquire some...

Damn, he just can't keep his mouth shut, can he...?

Could I buy some from you?

You helped me so much, I should repay the favor.

I dug these up around the volcano three months ago. They don't look great, but maybe they'll be useful for your research.

Thank you very much!

However, I must ask you to stay away from the volcano. If you know anyone else who is mining for obsidian, please also tell them to stop doing so.

Mount Siesta has entered its active period. Even if it hasn't erupted yet, Originium activity in the area continues to increase.

There is a risk of Oripathy infection without professional protective equipment.

Well, I...

There is laughter coming in from outside, as the two children chase each other on the streets, as their shadows stretch in the setting sun.

Enis gazes at his siblings as they go further and further away, and subconsciously touches the spot on his chest where he was scratched by Originium.

Alright, I promise I won't go anymore.

And thank you for playing with my siblings. That should have been my responsibility as big brother.

It's okay. They're very cute. I had a good time too.

By the way, your siblings said that your father has not been home for a long time?

He's a, er, adventurer? Traveler? Explorer?

It's not like he's gone off the grid or anything. He sends postcards and money back on a regular basis.

You can be present without actually being there. However...

By the time we get a letter from him, he's already off to the next place. All we know is that there's someone out there, going from one corner of the land to the other.

Sometimes I want to see for myself where he's been.

Harley raised us here while running the shop. But she says that life is a journey, and everyone chooses the sights they want to see.