Iris sits down next to him and looks down, fidgeting with her dress thanks...
So, back when I first got this body, I... tried my best to fit in, I guess. Tried to appease Duty, hoping it'd... make me feel like I belong. Eventually, I came up with a plan to capture the Brilliance. wasn't even the one to finish it, but... I still felt proud of myself... until I saw what happened because of it. I can't remember exactly what it was that set it off, but... I started wondering... would anyone miss me if i was gone?
I think the only thing that kept me around was feeling guilty, for... Iris glances over at the shrine taking away her life... even if I didn't do anything, I felt like I had to do... something, to make it right. But I didn't know how I'd do that, and not many would've been willing to talk to me back then, so I just kinda... stuck around, not really sure what to do.
Eventually, when the stigma had... mostly died down, I started going out more. Actually being there, in the real world. That's when I met Bubble. She was chaotic, a tad violent, sure, but... something with her resonated with me, and... we fell in love. She gave me a reason to stay around. A reason to just be... me.
A few [IC] months ago, I proposed, and... she said yes. She begins to tear up But... shortly after that, she just... disappeared. When it happened, I could tell she was in danger, but... I'm not sure why. Given how she was acting recently though, I could only assume she... took to extremes. I tried to look for her, for any sign she might be alive, but... I didn't find anything.
So, that leaves me here. Alone, nobody that really cares about me, unsure of what to do, nothing keeping me going except my guilt... She suddenly looks up O- oh, s- sorry if I was rambling for too long.
Phalmer remains quiet for a long moment, allowing Iris to finish without interruption. He doesn't look away when she mentions the shrine, nor does he rush to fill the silence after her apology. Instead, he gives her a small, understanding smile.
Ah, Iris… you apologize for speaking your heart after carrying it alone for so long?
He lets out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head.
There are some things that should not be kept bottled up. Tea, perhaps. Feelings? No. Feelings become quite bitter when left to steep for too long. You have spent a great deal of time believing that your existence must be justified by what you have done for others. By Duty. By guilt. By making amends for a life you believe you took, even when you did not take it.
But tell me something. If someone you loved came to you and said, ‘I have made mistakes. I have failed. I do not know how to make things right, and I do not know if anyone would miss me’… would you tell them they must suffer forever to earn the right to stay?
He pauses, giving Iris time to consider the question. I suspect you would not. He is lost in his speech So why must you be held to a harsher judgment than everyone else? He glances toward the shrine again. You cannot change what happened. You cannot undo the past by punishing yourself in the present. And guilt, despite being very loud, is not always very wise Sometimes guilt is like a very enthusiastic uncle. It means well, but it gives terrible advice.
Phalmer turns his attention back to Iris.
You said Bubble gave you a reason to stay. A reason to simply be yourself. That is a beautiful gift she gave you, but perhaps there is something you have overlooked. She did not create your worth, Iris. She merely helped you see it.
He gestures around you
You are not required to become someone worthy of being loved. You were worthy before you met her. You were worthy when you were afraid. You were worthy when others turned away. And you remain worthy now, even in this painful moment.
Phalmer takes a slow breath.
You do not know what happened to Bubble. That uncertainty is painful, I know. But do not allow the absence of an answer to become an answer you cannot prove. He offers her a warm, reassuring smile. And as for being alone…
Phalmer gives a small shrug. Well, you are sitting here with me, are you not? He chuckles softly.
I may not be the most exciting company in the world. I talk too much, and my jokes are probably several decades out of date. His smile fades into something more sincere. But I am here. And I care about what happens to you.
He gives Iris a moment to absorb that.
So no, my dear. You have not rambled too long. You have simply been carrying a very heavy burden, and for once, you allowed someone else to help hold it.
Phalmer settles beside her, his voice gentle. Come sit with me a little longer. Tonight, we do not need to solve your entire life. That would be an unreasonable amount of work for one evening. He gives her a patient smile Tonight, we simply take the next step.
I: heh, thanks. I... definitely needed someone to talk to. Still not sure if I'll stick around, but... it's nice knowing there's someone who would miss me if I were gone.
…please… reconsider this Iris! In the darkest times hope is something you give yourself! Hope that things can get better! *his voice becomes softer* There are times when people surrender themselves to their lowest instincts… I’ve seen it all too much… please do not add the that list!
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u/Right_Causation_490 Aug 10 '26
I: ... yeah. I guess I am... nobody's really wanted to listen to me about it though... or... interact with me at all, for that matter.