Quoted By:
“I don’t mind, but would jumping on my back be of any help?” You’re like some type of service dog. She liked it back then, so why not now?
“Phi— Johnny. I meant to say Johnny.” Wilma corrects herself in a strange way. “I’m a devoted widow. I shouldn’t lean on another man’s back...”
Wait, is that a romantic tradition in Xumenlo or something? Like the hug greetings? Wait, those weren’t romantic, but the point is that they have odd traditions there! Does that mean you flirted with both Wilma AND Cookie without noticing?! And you thought you were being less dense! You should’ve carried Pascaline behind your back…
“Why not? Like, actually, why not...?” You’re genuinely confused. Her answer better not be stupid like whatever train of thought you just had.
“...I shouldn’t get too comfortable with a man that isn’t my husband.” Wilma voice lowers like she was the little tomato you know better. You’ve come to realize she’s not having difficulties remembering her past...
“But we’re friends.” You bet she’d jump on Chio if she got the chance! This is discrimination! Anyway, you need to drop the subject, you don’t want to make her uncomfortable.
“I’ve realized why you insist on calling me silly.” Wilma sounds like her old younger self… This phrase doesn’t sound right, but you get the gist. “Please, close your eyes for a brief moment.”
You close your eyes. The closet opens, you feel a certain someone leaning on your back! You can feel her heartbeat accelerating. If calming down was the idea, this is not working! You must raise your voice!
“Are you oka—?” You’re not sure if this is working.
“<span class="mu-i">...Please, don’t turn around</span>.” The older Wilma doesn’t want you to look at her. “I’m doing fine. Trust me.”
“Will do.” Your old backpack has returned… You’ll keep your eyes on the entity. “I take it that Wilma remembers everything that happened inside the bubble, right?”
“That is correct, friend! She remembers her counterpart’s perspective vividly, but I had to retell the events I personally witnessed as she saw them as fuzzy.” San Wich informs. “She fondly recalls all the moments that moved her heart, for example: When you helped her escape the orphanage, when she reunited with her sisters, all the fun little escapades you did together, the beach fun, the card tournament and the pudding. She looks back fondly on every bite of those delicacies. Oh, and the scent of your hair, your gentle touch, and the comfort of both bodies leaning on each other.”
Welp, Wilma ran away back into the closet. Way to go, San…
