IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[beathollow]

it's all too perfect.

Comments

cw: emotional abuse, isolation

[beathollow]

Mafuyu stands before her mother, trembling, while her mother sobs.

"... I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry for making you cry and feel so sad. But... I want you to know how I really feel...! I've been in so much pain this in entire time. You placed such high expectations on me, and I did my best to not disappoint you... The more I tried, the worse I felt... Eventually, I began wondering if this is really what I wanted to do... But as I worked with Kanade and the others... Little by little, I began to understand... I'm beginning to realize what I truly want to do...!"

"Mafuyu...?"

"I know you're not going to like hearing this, Mom, but I... I don't want to lose them... I don't want to give up music, or not see them ever again... I don't want either of those things to happen...!"

Mom is quiet, and then- "... Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why don't you understand what I'm trying to say...? How many times do I have to tell you? Making music and being with your so-called friends... Those are just passing fancies. If you keep running from the things that matter most, you're absolutely going to regret it later on, it'll be too late by the time you realize that you should've studied a little harder back then."

"No, Mom, I understand that...But- But I need this! Not just music, but Kanade and the others! I promise to keep studying! In return for letting me do this, I promise to become the daughter that you'll be proud of!"

Mom's tears stop and she immediately switches to a cold glare.

"And this is why I'm telling you that you don't understand! Buying you that computer, letting you use that blasted instrument... It was all a mistake! look away for one second and you start making your own music. For two years, you hid so many things from me, neglected your studies and became "friends" with complete strangers you met on the internet! If I had known this would happen, I would've never given you any of those things! You listen to me, Mafuyu... That girl doesn't love you.

The only one who loves you is your mother!"

Panic cinches in Mafuyu's chest, doubt rises again-

Even after you get home, you probably won't be able to take your mind off things... But we'll always be on your side. So... All of us in N25... We'll always be waiting for you in SEKAI!

I know things aren't gonna be easy now that your mom knows about N25, but... You need to speak up if something really bothers you. Because you're the only one who can protect yourself in the end...

I remembered how my dad said that he wanted to make me and my mom smile by playing this song he wrote for us. When we heard it... We couldn't help but smile and laugh. I want you to feel what I did. I want you to smile the way I did back then.

Memories of her friends calm her heart, while she feels the gentlest touch from her pocket, where Miku hides.

We're right here with you. Just believe in how you feel.

Mafuyu inhales.

Mom doens't notice, and continues talking, walking closer.

"I apologize for raising my voice like that... But I'm sure you'll understand, Mafuyu. Because you're such a good, kind girl who I know will do the right thing."

Fear spikes in her chest.

When you think you've reached your limit... It's okay to run away.

"So, let's start over. I promise to do what I can for you... Okay? Mafuyu, please..."

Mom reaches for her and Mafuyu immediately turns around and bolts out the door, not even getting her shoes. It's raining, hard, and all she can do is run while her mother calls after her, drowned out by the thundering downpour.

Suddenly, it's not raining. She's in a crowd of people, soaking wet, without shoes and clearly crying. Her heart starts pounding, blood rushing to her face-

And a cloak is placed on her while Celeste raises the hood to hide her further.