[ There's a warm feeling in her chest hearing those words.
There were good adults in her world like Sojiro and Sae, but she and her friends had been marked by cruel, abusive adults that it still boggles her to think there are adults in positions of authority who... care. ]
They won't have challenges to contend with someday?
Of course there will be. I can't protect them from everything, even if I want to. There'll be challenges they speak to me about. Others they may keep from me because they're not ready to discuss it. We all face those sorts of challenges. It's a part of life.
But my job is to ensure they have a safe place to come back to. To commit to their learning and share their feelings. So I encourage them to learn to cook and grow and embrace their principles in their own unique way.
You really are a wonderful teacher, Qifrey-san. I wish we had more adults like you in my high school.
[ Her college professors are fine. Nothing that stands out, but that's fine as well; she and Makoto could use a break from adults who might abuse or manipulate them as they enter adulthood themselves. ]
Although, I also chose to fight. Running away from something only my friends and I could do... I don't think I could live with myself.
[ It's a bit jarring to recite poetry in a setting that isn't a classroom. She feels like she's been put on the spot in that moment, even while understanding this is an activity they agreed upon together.
For Neil. ]
This is a poem by Emily Dickinson. "Hope" is the thing with feathers.
[ Haru takes her time, reading each line with careful consideration. ]
[ poetry is truly lovely. qifrey never had the chance to indulge in it until neil, but he's always had a love for the arts and expression. what people bring to it can never be discarded. ]
A wonderful reading. I'm sure he would have liked it.
[ no. but. he can't say he doesn't fully disbelieve either.
it's important to remain open to possibility. ]
I think there's nothing wrong in believing in that. Strange things do happen here. A friend returning should not be less unusual than anything that has occurred.
I would love to do more, but finding people can be tricky.
[ Neil and Charlie were quite obvious choices for the soft launch of her cafe.
The little stage in the corner can't hold more than 1-2 people, nor multiple band instruments, so she has to figure out what she would like to do there. ]
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There were good adults in her world like Sojiro and Sae, but she and her friends had been marked by cruel, abusive adults that it still boggles her to think there are adults in positions of authority who... care. ]
They won't have challenges to contend with someday?
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But my job is to ensure they have a safe place to come back to. To commit to their learning and share their feelings. So I encourage them to learn to cook and grow and embrace their principles in their own unique way.
Battles can be won with a fervent heart.
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[ Her college professors are fine. Nothing that stands out, but that's fine as well; she and Makoto could use a break from adults who might abuse or manipulate them as they enter adulthood themselves. ]
Although, I also chose to fight. Running away from something only my friends and I could do... I don't think I could live with myself.
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A good cup of tea holds as much meaning as one that heals or emboldens you into battle, right?
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[ Haru nods rather eagerly, conveying her understanding.
There were so many people and values she'll continue to fight for, Hyodo Mariko being one of them when she's finally able to return home. ]
Actually, the poem I decided to bring is about hope, which is just as important to fight for...
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The poem you wanted to share with them?
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[ She finally opens the book to the marked page with the poem that had resonated with her, for whatever reason. ]
I don't know a lot about poetry, but I suppose that's what makes it interesting; to discuss its meaning with others.
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Why don't you read it to me?
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Um...
[ It's a bit jarring to recite poetry in a setting that isn't a classroom. She feels like she's been put on the spot in that moment, even while understanding this is an activity they agreed upon together.
For Neil. ]
This is a poem by Emily Dickinson. "Hope" is the thing with feathers.
[ Haru takes her time, reading each line with careful consideration. ]
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A wonderful reading. I'm sure he would have liked it.
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[ Her heart deflates a little for a moment as she thinks about how she'll never have gotten to share this poem with Neil.
She imagines he's read this before and has so much to say about his interpretation of it. ]
Ah, what is the poem you brought, Qifrey-san?
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Maybe our paths will cross
when this universe folds in and makes another.
Maybe, at the point
when all that is, and all that’s ever been,
collapses into everything else and is remade,
our paths will cross, however briefly, and
our terminus become a junction.
It may be a long shot. I will take it
and hope and trust our paths will cross again.
By a man named Oliver Tearle.
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[ It's beautiful, really.
And it stirs a hint of melancholy in her chest. ]
... do you think the friends we lost here will return?
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it's important to remain open to possibility. ]
I think there's nothing wrong in believing in that. Strange things do happen here. A friend returning should not be less unusual than anything that has occurred.
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And if he returns, we'll be here to welcome him back.
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That's right. We should hold onto that.
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Her heart feels the sting of a missing friend, but she has to remind herself to hold onto the memories to fill that void.
Just as she does while missing the rest of her friends from Tokyo. ]
Were there any other poems that stood out to you? This is quite fun, actually. I really should try to host events at the cafe.
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It is. I think it's a good idea, encouraging little events for the arts.
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[ Neil and Charlie were quite obvious choices for the soft launch of her cafe.
The little stage in the corner can't hold more than 1-2 people, nor multiple band instruments, so she has to figure out what she would like to do there. ]
I wonder what people would like to see.
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The network is quite useful for these sorts of inquiries.
we can wrap!
[ She wonders what kind of interesting people may volunteer. ]
Especially with the holidays approaching. A nice, cozy ambience during the colder days would be welcome.
sure!
Let people perform what skill they possess.
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Would you be interested in something like that yourself, Qifrey-san?
[ She has no idea, but it's rude not to ask. ]
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I can perform some magic spells if you like.
wrapped 💝
You have my thanks!