(He pulled her into a hug.)

I'm sorry, sweetheart, he didn't know. But also...

(He turns to Yijun.)

Why are you eating rocks??? In general??? You have a fridge full of food at home?????

????????¿????? Rocks don't rot, what...

You confound me, Yijun Guo, how are you alive right now.

Oh my????? Good lord??????? Do I have two children in front of me what is happening???

(He's not mad, just alarmed.)

..???? No????? Why can you digest rocks??

You can??

Alright, well with friends, they have to be able to live their own life. You can pet and play with them, but they can't be displayed like an object. And they can say no to it as well.

Does that make sense?

- S

Well, what do you mean by collect?

- S

Well, they're animals, dear. They're friends, not something you collect.

- S

I don't think so... I'm sorry, my dear.

- S

Vero, sweetheart, please don't eat real rocks, you can't digest them..!

Hm, I'm not sure... they aren't common in the wastes, I've heard.

- S

A dog! Do you have a dog?

- S

Diner near the university... Alright, I'm on my way. Thank you..!

Wow, alright... I'm glad she's okay. Where are you? I can meet you halfway.

Oh, thank goodness...

... wait, really? In the history classes?

My god, did you find her?? I've been looking everywhere, she was just gone this morning..! I knew she didn't have school, so I... panicked.

(He nearly drops it as he picks up.)

Ah— hello? Yijun?

Where js my daughter.

I am, certainly. Safe at home.

- S

Hm... as long as you're safe.

- S

Just you and your parents, then?

- S

(There's a long pause between replies, but one does come in.)

I hope it remains fun to explore, dear. You deserve the fun of it all.

- S

You should be alive because people care for you :(

- S

Because you're just a child, and there's no sense in being cruel to you. It doesn't make things easier to understand, it's just mean.

- S

I've found being kind helps people learn better.

- S

They do take a lot of time to heal, but being mad about it isn't nice to you.

- S

Oh dear.

They get mad? That's strange, they should be worried and help you feel better.

- S

Yes, the device you're using right now to talk to me! That's called a computer.

Hm. Well, as long as you're careful.

- S

(He chuckled lightly.)

Indeed.

I'll go with you to school tomorrow so I can talk to the faculty about everything going on. Preferably action will be taken about the bullying.

Then after, I think you've earned a day off. We can do whatever you want.

Oh... how did you find a computer to talk here? Do your parents know you're here?

- S