A Message Through Time

21.

"So how the hell does reception work through alternate dimensions?"

"I don't know, ask Abbot."

"Nah, I'm good. Okay. Give me a sec then I can talk."

"Okay."

*definitely more than a sec later*

"...Hello?"

"Hello!"

"Oh, this is weird...you sound so..."

"Not twelve years old, I'm hoping."

"I mean, you sound..............nice............."

"Thank you."

"......Yeah......."

"So uh, how's the weather here?"

"It's the season of spring. The cherry blossoms are blooming. People around me are happy. Children are waving at me. The sun is shining on my face as I look up at the sky. I cover my eyes with my hand and smile."

"Wow, okay, thank you for that novel description. Are you on the way somewhere?"

"Yes, I'm heading to the bathhouse."

"Oh. Should I go now?"

"No, you can stay."

"You shouldn't bring a cellphone near water. Aren't those robots teaching you anything?"

"I'm well aware, yes."

"What time is it there?"

"It's about ten in the morning."

"It's seven here, getting darker."

"How was class?"

"Boring as usual. I'm home now staring at the wall."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just laying in bed staring at the wall so it's totally normal. *laughs*"

"I see. Wow, it's hot in here."

"The bathhouse?"

"I'm going to take off my robe now."

"Okay, you don't have to like, narrate..."

"Is that what the teenagers call 'TMI'?"

"....."

"I just heard a purr."

"Yep, that's my kitty."

"I thought it was you."

"Toko, I have to go. It was nice hearing your voice."

"...Yeah, it was nice hearing yours too."

"I would like to hear your voice again sometime. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, it's okay."

"Alright, well, I'll talk to you soon. Farewell, Toko."

"Farewell, Inu."

📴Toko has logged off