the rest is still unwritten

No he doesn't, if he knew we were holding vigils for him he'd come home. I think he's dead. You're kind of weird but it's okay, it adds character. You'd be boring if not.

I guess. I'm sorry Cassie. Oh, it adds character? Well I guess that's okay then? If it means I'm less boring.

Do you know what, I will totally come into The Bean to pat Jenna's head, sounds great... KIDDING!! I will absolutely come in specifically just to pet you, are you on shift today? I'll be right there.

Okay I was so worried for a sec there!!! I know I'm your favorite barista, you tell me all the time. But yes please come pet me! I start in like an hour, you and Oreo can walk me there if you're free!

Oh, no. Sam told me he can't make left turns anymore. We can't trust him with a bus.

... What? Like in a vehicle?

That's amazing!! We'll work out a schedule that aligns with your studies, I don't want you to end up overwhelmed balancing my stuff with your studies. I got your back, don't worry. And you are so welcome to attend rehearsals too, whatever you think is going to help, even if you just want to hang out for a little while, I'll send you the schedule through

Oh yeah that would be really cool if we could do that, my studies are very important, but I'm sure you know that you're a very responsible person. Well if I get your guys schedule and then I can just turn up when I can, which would be amazing! And anything you need just let me know, I am a barista so I can always go on coffee runs or make coffee and stuff, anything you need.

You're literally the sweetest, I can't wait for these cookies!! Do you know where the Media Studies building is?? It's on the third floor, second on the left from the south elevator, as long as it says "Professor Olivia Washington" by the door you're in the right place!!

Oh... thanks... These cookies will be good, I can assure you. Oh yes, I do! Okay well Professor Olivia Washington, I will see you very soon!

Y'know considering this is supposed to be an institute for higher learning or whatever, you'd think I wouldn't have to constantly tell people not to pet my service dog, especially considering he's literally wearing a vest that says "do not pet"??? Like imagine if I just started petting my barista at The Bean when she's making my caramel latte, everyone would think I was (a) insane or (b) really rude. Yes, he is the world's goodest boy, he is a sweet angel and the most handsome man, but when the vest is on, Oreo is At Work.

First off I just want to say, if you start petting your favorite barista at The Bean, I wouldn't be mad at all... That sounded weird sorry.

Nope, they hold vigils every year on his birthday, though. It's kinda lame but also sweet, I guess. I doubt he's looking for us, my family aren't exactly hiding in the shadows. I guess we all have that one super weird sibling, so yours is probably him. Either him or you.

It is sweet, because wherever he is, he knows that you're all thinking about him and care about him. I mean I'm not normal, but I'm not that weird, surely. And Sam's not weird, he's just... unique.

Oh, no. I mean a therapist, Stacey. If you're still feeling kind of wonky, I think it would be a good idea. I'll be the first one to tell anyone that a therapist can change your whole life. Damn, you're right. How can the whole world just be an oyster? Who came up with half of these phrases, anyway?

Oh... Um, I don't know. It's fine, it's just the silly lockdown stuff, and abandonment issues, and my parents divorce, and my dad getting remarried to someone younger than me. I'm totally fine...

You are so sweet Stacey, and your excitement is infectious, you're definitely the right person for this job. I was thinking maybe you could interview the kids as well, one by one or in a group, give them the full experience, does that sound like something you'd be interested in?? And you don't have to be at every performance, as much as I love that enthusiasm I know you still have classes and homework and stuff, but whatever time you can spare would be really helpful

Oh... Thank you. Oh I'd love to! I'm really good with kids and to be able to give them the full experience at this stage will be really helpful for things to come in the future. Well, it would be helpful if I wasn't at every performance, you're right I still have classes and things, but I will be at as many as I can. Rehearsals too if needed. Thank you for this opportunity.

But if I say it doesn't matter about me, and you say it doesn't matter about you, then who's driving this bus?

Sam. And we should all stop the bus.

At least you were eventually joined by a friend. But being lonely in those situations suck. Did you make friends with anyone who was stuck with you?

I made a couple I guess. But that's all.

Well we were dealing with an earthquake so I think if, hypothetically, either of us were a mess then that would be totes understandable. That's so sweet of you!! I don't think I deserve to be top of that list honestly, but I will never say no to homemade cookies!!!

I guess so, thanks for making me feel a little bit better about being a mess. You are absolutely top of that list, cookies make everything better. You'll have to direct me to where your office is so I can drop them off in person.