bibeak

She lowers the hand holding the scissors and exhales.

Thanks... I don't know why I...

It's nothing, Kalin. Thanks for the kind words.

It's getting late. We should call it a day.

See ya later, Bibeak!

Hey, Kroos, do you know when she's leaving? I want to send her off.

Maybe have a little tea party before she goes.

Sounds like fun!

Bibeak's been helping me make clothes for Dad. I-If you need help setting the place up, I can do it!

All ready?

Careful, eh? Cup could be hot!

Snacks, check. Ribbons, check. We're just waiting for Bibeak!

Hey, guys! I brought her!

Sorry everyone, packing took longer than expected.

Wait, my popper's stuck! Wait—

Bang!

The operators around the table pull their poppers, sending confetti flying.

And there we go! Bibeak's send-off party!

Want some tea, Bibeak?

Have a nice trip!

You always work so hard, making so many beautiful clothes for everyone, and staying on top of things in missions. Have a nice trip back home!

Come on, isn't this a bit much?

I'm just visiting home for a few weeks...

Just sit back and enjoy yourself, girl. You're the guest of honor.

We've worked together for a few years now, and you're like a sister to me.

You may look soft and gentle on the outside, but whenever you put your mind to something, you get it done.

It's all thanks to everyone's help... I couldn't have made it on my own.

Have some snacks! Fresh out of the kitchen.

The cafeteria staff also said they wanted to give you the best send-off they could.

C'mon, how 'bout we give our cups a little clink? Just don't let Fang see, or I'd never hear the end of it. 'You don't toast with teacups, blah blah blah.'

We're about the same age, but I'm nowhere near as brave as you are. You're a completely different person from when you first came to Rhodes Island.

T-Thanks, everybody...

What I admire the most is how you can bring yourself to make clothes for someone who hurt you.

I could never.

It's not really like that. I don't even know why I did it...

Maybe this trip will let you finally close the book on it.

Guess this is what they mean when they say 'repay a bad deed with a good one'.

'Repay a bad deed with a good one'...

Have a safe trip, Bibeak!

Er, yeah, thanks.

Thanks...

I...

(They think I'm someone who repays a bad deed with a good one.)

(They think that I'm a good person, a kind person.)

(They like and respect me for that. They're holding a send-off party for someone like that.)

(They admire how I'm making clothes for someone who hurt me.)

(Mom and Dad always taught me to be dignified and well-mannered. So I should be happy for who I am now.)

(Am I?)

(Is this the Bibeak I wanted to be?)

(Do I... like myself like this?)

Bibeak feels a burning sensation as she gazes upon the smiles on the everyone's faces.

Their laughter seems jarring, the lights blinding, the teacup scorching. She feels the urge to smash something.

Her hand trembles, and the cup falls to the ground, startling her with the noise.

No one saw clearly what had happened, only its aftermath, with broken pieces and tea spilled all over the ground.

Oh! What happened...?

Are you okay, Bibeak?

Gee, Bibeak, you're so excited to go home you can't even hold your cup?

(It's not that...)

Well, as they say in Yan: Break a cup, break a trouble. Sounds like everything's gonna be great!

Don't worry about it. This is <i>your</i> send-off party. You sit right there, and I'll go get you a new cup.

Ah, watch out! Lemme clean this up first.

(Did I... just catch a glimpse of my true feelings?)

Bibeak...

What's the matter?

I-It's nothing. I just lost my grip.

Let's keep going. I didn't spill anything on anyone, did I?

I'll clean it up. I see some broken pieces by my feet, and I have the best view of it.

Huh? You sure?

Well, I'm just glad you're okay. That spooked me there.

I just lost my grip. It's fine.

(Now I understand. I <i>don't</i> like myself like this.)

I... I really appreciate you all for holding this send-off for me. Some of you I've fought alongside, and some of you I've made clothes with.

These past few years have been the best of my life.

(I really appreciate all of you, and your sincere best-wishes.)

I'll tell my parents how great the friends I've made here are, such warm and kind people who held a going away party for me.

(I've... made my decision. This time, I won't regret it.)

Well, the ship hasn't stopped yet. Shall we continue?

Have a safe trip! Enjoy yourself!

Bon voyage!

I packed you these snacks, in case you get hungry on the way!

Stay safe!

Thank you, everyone! Bye!

Yes, I made an application and was approved for a visit from 1500 to 1530 hours.

May I see the confirmation letter?

Looks like everything is in order. Follow me, please.

Okay.

There's just a little more paperwork to do.

While we wait for the confirmation letter to be verified, I'll need you to read and acknowledge the prison visitation rules.

Okay.

I'll also need you to fill in your legal name and information on this visitor's form.

Okay.

Finally, please go over these safety rules while we get the prisoner ready. You'll be taken to the visiting room once everything is set up.

Thank you.

Phew...

Finally.

Five minutes.

Ten minutes.

Twenty minutes.

The tea is now cold, and time seems to slow down during the wait for the jailer to return.

Everything's ready. Please sign the safety rules, and I'll take you to the visiting room.