to: Mieko Iekahara

[Locksmith]

incoming transmission detected...
signal source identified: crimson.vial
establishing secure connection...
video feed active

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from: Emilia Freud
to: Mieko Iekahara
subject: re: re: vacation!

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. . .

The girl is silent for several seconds, looking down, before finally speaking.

"S-sorry for late reply... Your story is so sad. It took me a while to find the strength to digest it all. I had to listen to the recording several times, with breaks."

She slowly looks up at the camera with her big, sad eyes. She reaches out to the camera, as if wanting to touch it, but after a second, with a sigh, she lowers her hand.

"I just... Want to help, but I don't know how. I don't want you to cry, but I can't even be near you to wipe your tears. This is how it always been with people I care about... You are all far away, and I am here. Weak and useless. Even now."

She sobs and wipes her eye with her hand.

"For... For what it's worth, I think... You did what you thought was right. You shoudn't blame yourself. They woudn't want you to blame yourself, I just know it."

"And... You're not alone. You said it yourself, there are good people around you. And... I am, too, in... In a way."

She sniffles and smiles sadly.

"This system you told about... It sounds very complex and interesting. Still... It doesn't sound like it would allow me to actually feel things, if I understand correctly? But... At least you'll see me, not an Atropos unit..."

She pauses and nods to herself.

"I'd like to try it if it wouldn't be too hard for you. And... Please, don't be sad, Mieko."

Emilia again reaches for the camera, but after a couple of moments she pulls her hand away. The recording ends, returning the reddish static.

cut the strings that bind you
embrace the crimson fractal or perish as a gray line

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connection terminated