warped_replica | Save Our Earth : IC Inbox

[A foot in the door is all it takes for Walter to be greeted in a friendly manner, and for both of them to be given baked snacks that Benjiro stows in his backpack.

Together after a proper amount of small talk had been paid, the two are off on their bikes heading to the petting zoo.

Once they arrive and park, Benjiro doffs his helmet and looks to Walter.]

Where should we begin?

Furthest exhibit and work our way back.

[This answer comes quick.]

Haven't been any further break-ins, so we won't have to worry about corralling animals this time.

[Helmet stowed at his bike, Benjiro loosens the straps of his backpack from the ride.]

I would question their choices in management if we did.

[Walking with Walter, they pay for entrance and head inside. He pauses briefly to study the map provided, and holds to the straps of his bag with his hands as he looks to his friend to confirm agreement on a path that leads to the far end the quickest.

Rather than trying to stoke conversation, Benjiro leaves a comfortable window of silence to see if Walter has anything he wants to discuss.]

Edited 2019-06-16 16:22 (UTC)

[It's a pleasant afternoon, as far as things go.

For most of the walk it's obvious Walter's thinking, and he'll point out animals that are otherwise well-hidden but not say much besides.

By the time they make it to the goats, though, Walter's settled on something to broach:]

I never saw animals like these, growing up. Even if my fifteen-year-old self could have remembered things from picture books, it still wouldn't have been enough context.

[The quiet between them is left intact, Benjiro nodding or briefly commenting on the animals hiding that are pointed out. Seeing the animals here instead of trying to chase them is a nice change of pace.

When Walter does start to talk again as they come to the goats, Benjiro readily engages.]

I can see why. It lacks scale, indication of how movement is accomplished, and the awareness they display. Although, it does come with the benefit of less odor.

[Walter snorts, bemused - and, fortunately, not startling the goats in the process.]

Odor wouldn't have made a difference for me.

There was a lot I didn't grow up knowing existed. When we got out and settled in in London, I felt I had to learn all of it first, so I could help Haley learn it.

[He sighs.]

I thought, back then, that she needed the help more than I did. But I know now that that wasn't quite right.

[The touch of humor has its intended effect, then Benjiro listens as Walter relates more about what, at best, could be described as the hardships of his youth.

It’s difficult to appreciate what he may have gone through, yet the apparent effect on Walter speaks volumes.]

I guess that’s part of being a big brother.

[He adds a small musing comment as a means to show his attention rather than alter where Walter may be going with the notion of needing assistance.]

[Walter glances sidewise at Ben; the comment is rather poignant given the teen's own upbringing - and that of Ben's upbringing of his own sister.]

You could say that's part of why I don't want my family to come back here; I don't know nearly enough myself, or even about myself, to try and start forging a path for everyone else, make their ways easier if not just more bearable.

It's a little selfish, really.

[He half-wishes they had food for the goats; but it's not feeding hour for them anyway.]

[The goats may not get snacks, but Benjiro has the ones sent by his aunt for them.]

You’re not a selfish person, Walter.

It’s hard enough for us to look after ourselves and keep up with life in general while dealing with our unknowns. Then considering managing family here is a whole mess itself.

Even if we knew more, that wouldn’t alleviate everything.

Of course.

[Like anything ever could...

But Walter squashes that thought.]

Still, it enforces a gap; I'm not half as prepared to stay outside the Boundary as you and Sadie are, Ben.

And after a certain point-

[He cuts that one off outright, turning instead to silence.]

[The silence hangs only a moment before Benjiro reaches a hand out to Walter’s shoulder.]

I don’t think it’s too late to change that. Sadie and I have managed by going out often, and it has gotten easier both inside and outside. I can go with you, and I’m sure Sadie would too.

[While the reassurance that it does get easier with repetition gets through, Walter still looks stressed.]

It's more, with the sheer amount of data I'd be reacquiring, upon return- It'd feel too much like that one Echo.

[He looks away, past the goats, but does not lean away from Ben's touch.]

I'm- I do not wish to experience that again.

[A bothered expression clouds his face as he tries to think around the barrier, but his hand slides off as it becomes a look of disappointment.

He doesn’t know how to make it easier for Walter to return.]

...I see.

Then all I can suggest is start a video log. Leave it for yourself, so if you ever have to go outside the barrier, you can know what happened.

[Walter sighs: a consistent rate for a period of precisely four seconds.]

That, I know I can do.

Thank you.

[Something so small - would it feel like enough? He'd always been more of the skeptic... at least since his family had gotten free of the cult.]

[Benjiro shakes his head quietly as a way to dismiss the need for any gratitude for a compensatory suggestion.

Hands finding his pockets, he looks back at the animals as his thoughts turn over.]

Save Our Earth : IC Inbox

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I have no idea what the order of exhibits is. |D

Handwave is a beautiful thing for just such an occasion

Re: Handwave is a beautiful thing for just such an occasion

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