bryota

It's already been two weeks since we said 'so long' to our volcano. My dear Siestans, do you already miss that spectacular eruption?

I wonder, what was going through everyone's minds at that moment? After all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence—or at least I certainly hope so!

'Thank goodness I'm still alive!' 'That's it? It's over already?' ...Or maybe, 'Adios, Old Siesta!'

To be honest, there was only one thing on MY mind at the time: What would it be like to reach out and grab a chunk of that volcanic cloud from the sky? Would it have tasted like a tomato, or a strawberry-flavored marshmallow?

It's almost ready. Want to add anything? Strawberry jam or ketchup?

Give it to me with cotton candy!

That's not a thing, Captain Lut. Here you go.

I'm not the captain today, I'm the colonel.

Fine by me, Colonel Lut. Hopefully you like strawberry jam. Which would you like, Liv?

Liv?

(Do you want some too?)

(But Enis only made so much. If you also have some, then there won't be enough for Harley!)

(How about this: I'll give you half of mine. Sound good?)

(Is Liv... having a conversation with thin air?)

(She's not sleeptalking, is she?)

(Sleepyhead.)

(Maybe I should just make it half-and-half.)

Here you go, Liv. Half jam, half ketchup.

That's no fair, Enis!

Fine, fine. Ketchup for Colonel Lut as well.

Now for a pop quiz—

If me and Harley aren't home, and you two have to cook for yourselves, what's the first thing you do after you're done?

Turn off the stove—

That one's too easy. You asked the same question the day before.

And your answer, Liv?

Hey, Liv— Don't start running off after only taking a single bite! Liv!

...Now why the heck would she just run off like that?

(Liv's been acting strange all day... Could she be spacing out because she's upset that I'm leaving?)

(Maybe I need to sit down and have a talk with her. Might be worth taking her to a pet store before I go, see if I can find her a friend to keep her company.)

Whoa! My fried egg...

Enis! Didn't I just say to turn off the stove after you finish cooking?

Ahaha... Y'know how it goes: do as I say, not as I do.

*sigh*... One of you ran off without finishing her breakfast, and the other messed up his own breakfast.

But Colonel Lut here sat down at the table and ate his breakfast without a fuss. Don't I deserve a reward?

What would you like?

A D32 steel warrior.

Heh, well, I happen to have my own idea. How about I conveniently forget that you used my lip balm to scribble all over the drinks menu?

That wasn't me, Harley! H-How about we compromise? I'll just ask Enis to make me another omelet!

Good kids don't haggle. The more you try, the less you're getting out of me.

Hmph! Fine, then I'm leaving too!

Where are you going to play today, Lut?

Not telling!

Is this one mine?

Yup. With pepper, as usual.

Just give me that overcooked mess you have sitting in the pan over there.

Hey, it's not <i>that</i> burnt... I can still eat it.

(Reaches for cup)

Wait, Lut! That's... Don't drink that!

...Huh?

(Sniffs)

Harley! How many times have I told you not to leave leftover drinks on the bar? The kids aren't—

Yeah, yeah. A sip or two of orange ale's not gonna kill them; stop being such a worrywart. You've turned into more of a mom than me lately.

People who can't take it easy before 'the Big Day' can't possibly become globetrotting explorers.

That's a completely different issue...

Musicians before a performance don't have the time to worry about other people having their strings on right. Sort out your own affairs before worrying about us.

You'll be leaving in a few days. Have you figured out the work situation yet?

Three, two, one... Hup!

Hey hey hey, slow down... I've got this side secured. On my mark, lift—

And liiiift—

Phew... Alright, that should be the last box. The terminal shows there's still a batch of goods yet to be delivered to Siesta. Once everything arrives, would you mind moving it all to the warehouse and taking a detailed inventory?

Don't worry, it's an order from Mountaincomm Trade. As long as there's money to be made, you can count on me.

Oh, but a whole bunch of urgent shipments have been coming in recently. Without you to split the workload with, I might be out making nighttime deliveries...

So, Enis, are you absolutely positive about leaving Siesta?

Mmhmm. I've made up my mind.

Sure didn't see that coming... Guess that means the journey to revitalize Siesta's tourism industry is short another pair of capable hands.

C'mere, gimme a hug. Have a safe journey.

What's with all the touchy-feely stuff? It's not like I'm never coming back...

You're an old friend I'm used to meeting every day. 'Course I don't want to see you go!

Must be even harder for your family, though, seeing how tight you all are. We only just finished sorting out Fashion Street's grand renovation, and now they have to say goodbye again. It truly is just...

Mm...

Harley actually didn't make much of a fuss over it. She was kind of a free spirit when she was younger, so I figure she wants me to go out there and take my shot.

As for the siblings, it might take them some time to adjust.

It's been on my mind the last few days, too—is there anything I can leave for them?

Hey, Enis, that kid walking down the road talking to herself... Is that your sister?

That she is... Strange.

Lemme go take a look.

The towering crane stretches out its long arms, its hanging cable slowly cutting through the unbroken, pillowy clouds in the sky.

In the distance, Mount Siesta intermittently coughs up plumes of gray smoke. It's been wheezing like that ever since its tantrum two weeks ago.

The jam half of the omelet is yours.

Grandpa Tom didn't open the store today, so I wasn't able to get you any ice cream.

But the jam tastes really good, too. Enis made it himself. Enis...

*sigh*...

...Liv? Why'd she come out to the undeveloped plot again?

She ran over here by herself when the volcano erupted... Could the tsunami back then have given her some sort of trauma? No, she'd be avoiding this place then...

It's closer here, and I can almost hear her clearly. I hope she doesn't notice me...

Huh? She seems to have... some sort of furry creature with her? Is that what Liv was talking to this whole time?

*nom* *nom*

This is a little clay doll that Enis made for me. She has curly hair and a tiny flower tucked behind her ear. Do you think she looks like me? Enis said he made her with magic.

He's a liar. He doesn't know any magic. In the storybooks, magicians have all sorts of mystical, amazing powers, and they definitely never get sick.

(Grunts in dissatisfaction)

Huh? Are you saying that even magicians can get sick?

Then, I'd rather Enis not be a magician.

I just wish he never got the stone disease.

(Grunts softly)

The doctor lady said that it isn't that serious. But he ended up sleeping in the hospital for three whole days back then...

I heard from the adults on Fashion Street that people who get stone disease slowly turn to rock. Then they can't move or talk, and end up turning to sand and blowing away with the wind.

I... don't want that to happen to Enis.

(Nuzzles up close)

Lately, he's been acting really strange. He seems so nervous. Do you think it's because of the 'Oripathy'?

Good thing he'll be leaving soon. To ship called Rhodes Island.