[incoming message] CASSIOPEIA ⋙ hey arven. hey. hey. what did the teacher do with the student's report on cheese ?

“…”

they look down at their arms; the bandages and scars that glimpse out despite their best efforts.

(even now, it still hurts.)

it’s— a good question! It’s one they don’t really have a full answer to.

Still. They try their best to give a good thought to it.

“   one  of  these  days ,   you’re  gonna  give  me  a  fucking  heart  attack .   ” hi

“Huh?”

The branch creaks and sways under his weight. He’s shoving a few berries down the front of his shirt, and there are leaves getting caught in his hair and smacking him in the face. With one arm over his chest, he drops down from the branch, landing on his feet with a heavy thud.

“Hey, it’s not so bad. The great outdoors, Penny! You gotta do what you gotta do. Besides, these berries aren’t easy to find.”

Arven moves his hand from his chest and the berries spill out of his shirt.

“I’m — I’m fine, I’m..”

they’re struggling to find their words, clearly. And it’s not getting any easier. Ree sniffles, before reaching out to … take her hands. They don’t squeeze just yet.