IC Inbox

[gourmandized]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, BARBARA. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 816.19.528.16 *** wiggles has joined 816.19.528.16 <wiggles> Hello, this is Ima Wiggles. <wiggles> How can I get this machine to stop calling me Barbara? I don't go by that name anymore. <wiggles> If you'd like to speak with me please leave a message!

Comments

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

All gone. Though... they had left me, before they departed Ryslig, if that makes sense to you.

It's terribly quiet now.

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

The visitors seemed to take a turn for the worse before they all disappeared. Is that why they left?

I know they weren't real, none of them, but I miss them all the same. Your three, that is...I hope I never have to encounter my mother or any more copies of her again for as long as I live.

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

Every one of them found a way to break my heart all to pieces before they were gone, each in their way. And my love for them is still undying; that's what it is to be a mother. That's what makes me seethe when I think of your sorry excuse for one.

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

Do you know, I let that imitation follow me around for days because I hoped she might change her mind about me. I didn't expect her to love me, or take pride in me. Telling me I'd done well for myself would have been more than enough. But of course she didn't, and in the end it wasn't even really her. I feel so stupid.

You're more of a mother to me than she ever was, and I hope you know that.

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

Well

I

Ima, would you like to go shopping with me later? Perhaps to lunch as well?

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

I'd love that.

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

I would, as well. I can think of no better way to put this awfulness behind us.

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

How about tomorrow?

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

I'm sure I can move what obligations I have around.

[...what obligations, indeed.]

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

Then it's a date! [Not THAT kind of date, obviously; that goes without saying.] You can pick where we go for lunch. Surprise me!

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

Are you quite sure? Of the two of us, I daresay you are the gourmand.

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

I'm sure! I'm working on a little side project right now, a gourmand's map of Bavan with personal ratings for each eatery, so I could do with visiting someplace new.

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

The challenge will be managing to find somewhere that is new to you, then.

How do you feel about brunch? I love champagne with eggs and toast, myself.

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

That sounds lovely! So long as nobody makes a fuss about how much I order you can count me in.

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

No one will dare. If I have one champagne, it will be a bottle, more likely than a glass.

<wiggles>

[gourmandized]

Then it's settled. I'm looking forward to it!

<FräuleinElsa>

[istherelifeonmars]

As am I, my dear. It will be thoroughly enjoyable.