Family Ties

"Why didn't you tell me any of this before...?"

Inside the house, Rover's voice was full of sorrow after she heard what Aemeath had said.

According to Aemeath, she was the child Rover had adopted. And now...

At Rover's question, Aemeath froze for a moment, then turned her back on her in a huff.

Only after a while did she turn around, wearing a somewhat awkward expression.

"Because... because it would've been weird."

Then, like a professional actress, she strode over to Rover with theatrical flair.

"Imagine someone you don't even know suddenly running up to you and saying, 'Hi! You used to raise me. Long time no see!'"

As Aemeath spoke in that exaggerated voice, Rover stared at her blankly.

Was it because she didn't understand why Aemeath's mood had shifted so suddenly?

No. She understood.

She knew Aemeath was speaking that way because she was sulking, just like...

Just like little Aemeath in that earlier projection, who had thrown tantrums and played pranks.

This was what the little Aemeath from the projection should have been like when she grew up.

Not the "Digital Ghost" who had worn the same unchanging smile all this time.

Seeing Rover so lost in thought, Aemeath rubbed her ear, then continued with a grand flourish:

"And then what? After some stranger you can't remember greets you like a weirdo, what are they supposed to say next?"

With her dramatic gestures and exaggerated tone, Aemeath performed with all the dedication of a true professional.

Then her words came faster:

"'Want to visit our old home?' 'I listened to you, and I'm doing great in school now!' 'Sorry! I accidentally... died!'"

Aemeath looked utterly unconcerned as she said it.

At that last line—"I died!"—she even covered her face with her hand, then parted her fingers