audience: emma perkins

[cyclists]

Comments

[foodbin]

Okay.

[...]

Well, you know what it feels like to have friends you really admire, right?

[cyclists]

[ . . . . ]

I certainly have comrades I am fond of.

[foodbin]

...And they're your friends. Right?

[let! grandpa! have! friends!]

[cyclists]

Mm. As well as I know how to have them.

[grandpa is

learning a lot]

I care for them of my own volition, and not because I am told that I ought to. Of that much, I am certain.

[foodbin]

I'm pretty sure that's what most people would call friendship, yes.

[cyclists]

[there is a laugh]

I must still be learning.

Then yes, I suppose I do have friends.

[foodbin]

So, it's kind of like that, only... different. More intense, I guess.

[cyclists]

A more intense camaraderie?

[foodbin]

I think affection might be a better word than camaraderie.

[cyclists]

Ah.

An emotion closer to fondness?

[foodbin]

[She nods.]

Yeah. That's as good a description as any.

[cyclists]

Hmm...

A more intense fondness belonging to only one person -

[they seem thoughtful for a moment before laughing]

The ways of the human heart are complicated. I am amazed each day that you all are able to navigate it.

[foodbin]

[A small laugh.]

Well, it's easier when you grow up learning it. That's not to say it isn't tough for us, though.

[...]

I guess that means you aren't human, huh?

[cyclists]

Ahaha, in some ways, I am learning to be human now that I have the opportunity to be closer to you all....

However, it would be incorrect to say that I am completely human as well.

[foodbin]

[It isn't hard to tell she's curious as she tilts her head.]

...I'm guessing you can't tell me what you are.

[cyclists]

Hmm...

Perhaps in some ways, I am a spirit.

[foodbin]

In some ways, but not in others?

[cyclists]

It is not a perfect definition.

[but they sound amused regardless]

But it is the one I have to offer you at this moment.

[foodbin]

Well, maybe I'll get to find out more later.

[cyclists]

I do not see a reason why not.

But I would hope you know I would like to know more about you as well.

[foodbin]

[She nods.]

Here's a deal. I'll stop asking if I can ask you things, and you can do the same if you're ever curious about something. Sound good?

[cyclists]

[there is another laugh at that]

My, we are becoming more familiar with each other. Splendid, splendid.

[foodbin]

[She laughs in return.]

Yeah. So, anytime you want, just shoot.