been ages since I played this lady

[what_drfox_says]

You forgot your medicines again? Really, what should I do with you? And you're so quick to tell people to be vigilant about these things . . .

Well, I won't nag you because it's not as though it was idiocy on your part. You're not a like a certain rooster head whose name I won't mention. Just remember to take your medicines next time.

In addition to that, it's certainly not helping that you're worrying about playing me once again. I haven't changed, and just because you have doesn't mean that there's writing on the wall as soon as you start putting down my thoughts on paper.

I'm going back to work. You should too - and take your medicines!

Comments

[what_drfox_says]

[A dry laugh.]

If she forgets to look in the mirror, then the plan was a failure.

Do you have a mundane similar to mine?

[forthelifeofme]

Not at all! Mine seems very nice.

But please don't let that discourage you from complaining about yours. It sounds like you need to let it out to me.

[what_drfox_says]

There's not much to complain about, actually. At least she's properly remorseful about forgetting her medication and promises to be more conscientious about them. I actually know some people who would deliberately ignore a doctor's advice.

[forthelifeofme]

Well, I can definitely say I never did that. In fact I've never been to a doctor in the first place. Ha!

[She's... entirely too happy about that.]

[what_drfox_says]

[She wasn't that surprised. After all, she was from the start of the Meiji era, and at the time, some people didn't have access to good healthcare - or any kind of healthcare, for that matter.]

Well, it's either you have very good health, don't pay attention to when you should be seeing a doctor, or can't find a doctor when you need one.

Which one is it?

[forthelifeofme]

The first one.

And when I do get sick, daddy always knows just what I need to feel better. Even if it's lots of sleep and some soup.

He makes the best soup.

[what_drfox_says]

You have a good father, then.

[That makes her smile.]

That reminds me of my own. He was a doctor as well.

[forthelifeofme]

Well, I wouldn't exactly call daddy a doctor. Um...

...a... gardener, maybe?

[Quick, change the subject!]

Are you and your father close?

[what_drfox_says]

I see. He sounds very nurturing.

Yes, we were when I was younger. I have very fond memories of him.

[Sometimes it still hurt to think of how she'd disgraced him and her mother, but she hoped that they now approved of what she was doing to atone for her crimes.]

[forthelifeofme]

[Were she her sister, she might be able to read between the lines. In fact, lil' sis often picked on her for being slow and dense.]

Did you... grow apart?

[what_drfox_says]

. . . No.

[She breathed a sigh.]

He passed away when I was a young girl.

[Doing his duty and tending to the wounded on the battlefield alongside her mother, who was also a doctor and also gave up her life to do what was right. They were doctors until the very end, and both of them were Megumi's inspirations in life.]

[forthelifeofme]

...just like mom.

I'm... sorry. That was insensitive of me.

[what_drfox_says]

Don't apologize; you didn't do anything wrong.

I am sorry for your loss.

[forthelifeofme]

Thank you. I am fine, now. It was a very long time ago, and dad and sis have been a big help. Well, dad more than sis, but let's not go there...

Mostly, though, I find myself wondering more about her. She... left, very early to help people and the land that she loved. She... never came back.

[And now she's smiling.] I guess I sort of wanted to see the world she saw, too. I wanted to walk where she walked and experienced what she felt. And it has been wonderful. So, even though she isn't here, being around everything like this makes me feel as though she is.

[what_drfox_says]

It sounds as though she did what she believed was right.

I am glad to hear it. My mother and father . . . they both passed away at around the same time, but I have tried my best to walk in their footsteps too. Not as literally as you have, but doing what they've done makes me feel closer to them as well.

[And then Megumi decides that this is probably too somber a talk for a child.]

What's your name, little girl?

[forthelifeofme]

[Her cheeks puff out a little.]

My name is Yuelia.

And at the risk of ruining the moment... if you ever call me a little girl again I'm going to start calling you "old lady."

[what_drfox_says]

I'm Megumi -

[Ghhhkkkk - !]

"Old lady"? . . . Let's not go there.

[forthelifeofme]

[She smiles but only as far as her point has being made.]

Oh, of course not. [the smile then becomes soft]

It is very nice to meet you, Miss Megumi.

[She's a very forgive and forget type of person.]

[what_drfox_says]

[Kids. Well, at least she wasn't bratty like Yahiko, or even Kaoru at times.]

Yes, likewise. So long as we understand each other.

[You're not too young, she's not too old, we have an agreement.]

[But with that bit of wryness done with, Megumi settled down and gave the girl a genuine smile.]

[forthelifeofme]

[Oh, you'd love her sister... except not really.]

[Though you do share the same allure of being cheeky and mysterious, so there's that at least.]

I don't see that as a problem, really.

So, I hope you don't mind me prying a bit further. Do you think your player has any intentions for you now that you are active, at least for the moment?

[what_drfox_says]

She says she just means for me to stretch my legs out a bit. She has no plans of sending me anywhere new, and I prefer it that way - I'm certainly busy enough with my medical practice where I am.

What about you? Did your mundane spirit you away somewhere?

[forthelifeofme]

Not yet, though I have heard some discussion as to where. The... journal? That I find myself in is newly made.

In fact, I didn't have any images up until a day ago.

[what_drfox_says]

I see. I hope your mundane sends you to a nice place, should that be the case. Of course, it would be preferable not to leave home at all.

[forthelifeofme]

Hmm... I think my home will be okay with me gone for a little bit. Though I do agree a nice place would be best.

There are some pretty awful places. Like deserts. Ooh, but not desserts. I really like those.

[what_drfox_says]

Deserts sound miserable. I wouldn't mind a dessert either, on the other hand. Again, we are in agreement.

[A laugh.]

What desserts are your favorite?