Mail/Loneliness and Freedom... (2025-08-17)

• Sender: Chiori
• Time/Date: 2025-08-17 (During Version 5.8)

Must birthdays follow a fixed template? Cake, flowers, a touch of ceremony? My friends had all that planned out — it sounded lovely, really. But I turned it all down. Today, I simply wanted to focus on my sketches.

I told Eloffe to close up shop early so I could work in peace. To my surprise, she seemed genuinely concerned that her boss might spend her birthday alone, and offered to stay and keep me company while working overtime. Her kindness was more than enough of a gift. But of course, I didn't let her stay.

Still, that little moment sparked something. Loneliness and freedom... not many people come to mind who embody both. But you — both distant and unexpectedly near, here in this letter — you might be one of them.

I sketched out a few rough concepts — take a look. Once the final pieces are ready, I'll be needing a model. You won't mind playing mannequin, will you?

But of course, you're free to decline.