audience: emma perkins

[cyclists]

Comments

[foodbin]

Okay.

[But, all the same:]

Could I see it?

[cyclists]

[a shake of their head]

You may not.

[foodbin]

I figured as much. Is that a for now thing, or a forever thing?

[cyclists]

[ . . . ]

It is hard even for someone as old as myself to discern the future, I’m afraid.

[foodbin]

Well. If it's ever possible, can I be at the top of the list?

[cyclists]

Ahaha, I shall certainly keep your request in mind.

May I ask why you wish to go?

[foodbin]

[She nods.]

I just think it would help me understand things here better.

[Also—]

What you mentioned earlier, about how people interacted with the darkness. Does it have anything to do with the gateway?

[cyclists]

[there is a smile in their voice at that]

Clever.

[it would appear as though they can’t say more though]

[foodbin]

[From her expression, it seems like she's taking that as a confirmation.]

Thanks. And... I know you told me that there wasn't a way to save both sets of partners, but is there anything that might make it - I don't know, easier for them?

[cyclists]

Easier...

[a pause, and then gently]

... have faith in one another. I believe there is a chance you will find your hopes answered.

[foodbin]

[She looks like she wants to say something else for a moment, but:]

...Okay. Thank you.

[cyclists]

You are welcome.

[there is a smile in their voice]

I have been pleasantly surprised in many ways today. I believe I have reason to think that the trend will continue.

[foodbin]

...You realize that we let one of the corrupted get away with it, right?

[cyclists]

So you did.

But you do not lack the pieces to be able to discern it in the future.

[foodbin]

We had to tell three separate people not to drink cyanide.

[cyclists]

[a gentle laugh]

Three people who, at the very least, had their hearts in the right place.

[foodbin]

You don't have to be so easy on us, you know.

[cyclists]

Do you believe that I am easy on each of you?

Would it be more productive to grow cross with those who are trying to help? You certainly all scolded each of them enough for me.

[foodbin]

I mean... If it's getting in the way of us actually making progress, then yeah, I think it's pretty fair to be angry.

[cyclists]

Certainly it is.

But others already accomplished that.

[so why would lune add to the mob, you know?]

I am sure you were well-heard.

[foodbin]

You're saying that like you can just turn off being annoyed because other people already have it handled.

[can he?? maybe he can. she doesn't know.]

[cyclists]

Hmm... I do not know if I was annoyed in the first place.

At the very least, such earnest and reckless action is not something I have not encountered before.

[so they sort of just accept it?]

They are merely young.

[foodbin]

Young is one word for it.

[hers would probably not be as kind.]

[cyclists]

[there is another laugh at that]

Foolish might be another. Reckless.

Even still, there are some things that might only be taught with experience and guidance from others that they did not receive before.

[foodbin]

Right.

[She waves a hand.]

Anyways, I'll stop going on about how awful things are. It could be worse.