Video

[singlefaith]

E-excuse me.

[There’s a young woman with wide blue eyes on the screen. She presses her lips together briefly, trying to find the right words.]

Is . . . there a way to get a message home? Either with this or with my phone?

[She has the strong sense that there isn’t any more than there is to get home in the first place. But she has to at least ask and eliminate the option before she can go any further.]

I just don’t want them to worry about me.

[Though in all truth, she’s not sure she’s completely ready for the answer.]

And Dad and Conan-kun . . . they’ll have to figure out dinner. And Sonoko may have to take some notes for me . . . for a while.

[She trails off, pressing her lips together, looking away again. Only for a moment, though, before she pulls herself back, doing her best to summon a smile.]

Thank you in advance.

Comments

[Video]

[enlightenedfeline]

[At first, there's mostly just silky, black fur in the image, then the Cat backs away so his eyes and the rest of his features are visible.]

No one from your home will realize you're missing. When you decide to leave, you will be returned almost at the same moment that you left.

Don't worry about your family. They will be safe while you're away. We would not ask you to come here if they were at risk without your presence.

[singlefaith]

[A cat! Ran's eyes brighten immediately at this new bit of familiarity (and cuteness).]

[. . . But then the cat talks, and all too soon, it's weird again.]

[Ran's read enough, though, to know that even if something isn't in your paradigm, you should still be polite. And he is trying to help.]

Thank you . . . that helps to know.

[Hesitantly,] I can decide to leave?

[enlightenedfeline]

Of course you may.

[He cants his head to the side, purring thoughtfully. The sound is supposed to be reassuring to some beings. Another reason why he prefers this form to others.]

I am the Non-Fiction Librarian. My companion an I asked each patron for assistance. Each accepted our invitation. None who arrive here are taken against their will and none are forced to stay. We do not mean to harm our patrons.

If you wish to leave, we will return you to your world.

[singlefaith]

[The purring is nice -- soft, and very soothing.]

Thank you . . .

There's someone here I need to see first before I can give you an answer.

[enlightenedfeline]

You're welcome.

[His ears perk up, obviously pleased by her manners.]

Who do you need to speak with? If they're in the Library I can direct you to them. If they aren't, then things will be more complicated.