[Text]

[angha_firebird]

I am searching for something. Each day I go out, and only now I realize I am searching for something.

So why is it I am not entirely certain what it is I search for?

Comments

[spellsdeadwrong]

[Audio]

Maybe it's something you never knew you were missing in the first place.

[angha_firebird]

[Audio]

[Hearing Asuka's voice quickly prompts a smile in response. Her heart is already lifting, and she tilts her head curiously down at her journal.]

You may very well be right, but then what would it be? And how would I find it?

[spellsdeadwrong]

[Audio]

There are a lot of things it could be.

[He's smiling at his journal, a little bit bittersweet.]

But that's the trouble--if you never knew you were missing it, it's hard to pinpoint until you actually find it.

[angha_firebird]

Hmm.

[She hums into the journal, the sound almost human.]

I suppose... I shall simply have to continue my search until I find it, then.

Have you ever searched for something, only to later find out what exactly it was?

[spellsdeadwrong]

[He smiles slightly at that.]

Yeah. I have.

Back when my mom died, I kinda went a little bit crazy. Made a bunch of bad decisions, started doing things I shouldn't have. I thought I was trying to find something to fill the hole where she'd been.

When I realized that, I realized that what I'd really been looking for wasn't something to fill that hole with, but a way to cope with it instead. And I'd found it--I'd made new friends and grown up a lot. I think that growing up has a lot to do with that searching-for-something feeling.

[Does that even answer the question? Is it even similar? Whatever.]

[angha_firebird]

[Silence follows Asuka's words for quite a while as Aara tries to take all that in. When she responds, her words are slow to start.]

I am sorry for your loss. She must have been a wonderful woman, Asuka. Maybe... one day... if you find yourself willing you could tell me about her.

[Another pause, this one longer than the first. Confusion rings in her tone.]

I think... you are right. Perhaps I am also looking to fill a hole. Or thought I was. Perhaps, as I continue to grow, I will find the answer I am looking for.