[Action/Video]

[othersdie]

[Justin, unaffected by the cold induced by sitting near the fountain that the City had seen fit to drop him into during winter, finally tires of waiting for what he’s convinced what must be a trick of the mind to dissipate and resolve itself into the nothingness of death. For a lack of any other distractions, he fumbles with the device he had found

Comments

[alwaysadoe]

[Video]

[For some reason the question breaks Lily's heart.]

I think that depends on a great deal of things. Why would you be dead?

[othersdie]

[Video]

[The response from the device is met with subdued surprise.]

What? Why--I was... I should be. Dead. But this isn't what death should be like.

[alwaysadoe]

I know precisely what you mean. In any case, I think you'll find this a bit better than death at least.

[othersdie]

You do?

No, it can't be. This can't be.

[alwaysadoe]

I do. [She's not sure there's a way to break this to anyone gently.] I'm quite certain in my world, I've died.

Why don't we get you in out of the cold? There's a welcome center nearby. I'll meet you there if you like.

[othersdie]

That can't be right.

[This is flat-out denial of something that looks increasingly possible.]

No. Thank you. This can't last long.

[alwaysadoe]

[Her voice is very quiet when she speaks again.]

I've been here nearly three months. [And then warmer, a bit louder.] Too long to spend the entire time sitting by the fountain.

[othersdie]

Three months...

[He thinks for a moment and comes to the conclusion that outright denial isn't getting him anywhere.]

[blankly] Okay. ...What's your name?

[alwaysadoe]

Lily Potter. And yours?

[othersdie]

Justin Pendleton. It's... [not exactly nice to meet you, but manners do dictate a response along those lines] ...good to meet you. Indirectly.

[alwaysadoe]

I understand. The circumstances aren't ideal. Regardless, it's nice to meet you as well. If I can help you get settled, Justin, let me know.

[othersdie]

Thank you. Lily. I will.

[alwaysadoe]

You're quite welcome.