astesi

We can do this quiet, if you don't want word getting out. I know them pretty well, and I can help you take care of things.

Thanks...

Don't mention it. Every family has its own challenges.

I sent out the private messages. Let's go check the remaining places. Maybe we'll find something.

A-Alright.

Don't worry, no one's gonna get hurt.

Astgenne sure can hide. We've searched most of the public areas, and didn't even catch a shadow.

It's getting late. You should go home, and we can pick this back up tomorrow.

I... I want to keep looking for a little longer.

It's almost midnight. Your divination only said today was unlucky, didn't it?

Go home, have a hot meal, sleep well, and maybe things will get better tomorrow.

Let's go. I can walk you home if you want.

No... thank you... sorry about taking up your day.

Don't mention it. I'll be going. Take care, and don't do anything stupid.

Okay...

I'll come first thing in the morning. Nighty night.

Astesia walks home alone. The stars are visible in the hole in the sky above Trimounts.

But she only has her eyes on the road ahead, as she navigates bend after bend.

As the clock strikes twelve, she rounds the last bend, and arrives at her rented apartment.

There, she sees a ball of feathers curled up in front of the door.

Sis, you're back...

I forgot my key...

Sis?

Astesia says nothing. She buries her face in her sister's chest, sobbing.

She can't keep her emotions in check, and she doesn't want her sister to see her face.

Astgenne knows that, and so she stands there, holding her sister in her arms, allowing the tears to soak through her clothes.

For a long time they stand there, until both of them have calmed down sufficiently, and Astesia takes out her key and opens the door.

The sisters sit side-by-side on the sofa in silence.

Finally, the older of the two speaks first.

Sorry, Genne... I was wrong...

I'm partly to blame too... I just exploded the moment you said you sent Father the paper, and I couldn't listen to anything else.

I know the sacrifices you made to get away from home. You don't want anything more to do with Father.

It's like stabbing you in the back. I didn't think it would go like this...

It's normal to ask your mentors to review a paper, just like in grad school.

Look at me. I have a PhD, but I couldn't even keep my emotions in check. I call you hard-headed, but I'm the one who doesn't listen...

I... I made up my mind. I'll go and see Father tomorrow. It'll take some time for him to get through the draft, and he wouldn't be done so early. I'll convince him to give it back. We still have a chance.

Um... about that.

Actually, the package never made it to Mr. Urbica.

Huh?

You remember the deliveryman, the Liberi? He came to apologize just as the sun was going down and refunded the delivery fee.

He had a pretty bad day himself. HIs truck flipped on its side after picking up his morning packages.

Oh...

Since your package was urgent, he took a bicycle to deliver it while his coworkers dealt with the rest.

It was raining when he passed through the business district and he fell into a pond, getting everything soaked.

He was in tears when he came to apologize. I consoled him and sent him on his way.

You were right, sis. Today was a bad day for the Liberi...

It's all in the past. Don't think any more about it.

Here, your terminal.

Thanks.

Bad habit I picked up studying in Trimounts.

When I get mentally stuck or get into an argument, I just feel the urge to throw everything to one side.

I leave my communicator behind, separate myself from phone and email, and just take a walk around Trimounts.

Let time take care of any emotions I can't.

And from every once in a while, I forget my key, like I did today, and have to wait at the dorm entrance for someone to let me in...

You didn't eat all day?

No... I had no appetite when I left, and I was locked out when I came back.

What about the box?

I bought some ice cream as a make-up gift, but I didn't expect you to be looking for me all day, so it's melted.

Didn't you have any money on you? Don't starve yourself.

Not after I bought your gift.

I'm hungry...

I'll make something. Wait a while.

Okay...

I promise I won't just hand months of our work over to someone else.

Not even our father.

I believe you.

My sister.

One week later...

I looked through the draft of your presentation. No issues.

Did you memorize all the terms?

Yeah.

Good. You'll be able to fend off any old timers who try to grind you on terminology.

But you said you were speaking in the afternoon? I didn't see your name on the schedule.

Remember Mrs. Evans, from next door?

The old woman? What does she have to do with this?

She's an authority on Victorian astrology. She was supposed to be giving a presentation this afternoon.

I convinced her to let me sub in for her.

Mm-hm.

Does that mean the space next to Mr. Urbica will be empty?

No, Genne.

Er... why are you looking at me like that?

Don't tell me you want to...

Give Father a surprise? Let him know that his favorite daughter has gone bad like her sister?

Please, Genne.

You had this all planned, didn't you? That's why you didn't say anything about the Astrological Research Association. You were just waiting for me here.

Come.

...Do I have to?

Running away won't achieve anything, Genne. Here's your chance to take Father head-on.

Come, take off your goggles and equipment.

And change your shirt and jacket.

Are you sure about this...?

It's a practical joke. Your favorite thing.

Wait, since when did I become a practical joker?

Let your hair down. Now that's a good girl.

Sis... are you really sure about this...?

Just shut your mouth and hold the sword and astrolabe. I'll do your makeup.

Perfect.

Please, sis... there's got to be another way.

Sorry, Genne, the forum is about to start. There's no time.

Try speaking in my tone.