He opened his eyes, and after a moment of haziness, his vision gradually cleared.
The first thing he saw was a child and a dog leaning close to him.
Shinji Ikari rubbed his eyes with difficulty, then turned his head to look around.
"Huh? You're awake? Don't recognize me? It's me, me! Toji, Toji Suzuhara! It's really been a long time, Shinji."
"You gave me quite a fright when they brought you back."
"I've heard a little about what happened, but I don't really understand all that strange stuff. Anyway, you look pretty well. That's a relief."
"How are you feeling? Can you move?"
An adult who had suddenly appeared picked up the child. Between the shape of his face, his way of speaking, and the name he had given, Shinji Ikari immediately remembered him: Toji Suzuhara.
He was just like before, with endless things to say and stories to tell, his mouth never stopping for a moment.
The feeling left Shinji Ikari reeling from the disconnect. Overnight, everyone had changed beyond recognition. He alone remained unchanged.
Shinji Ikari braced himself against the bed and struggled to sit up. "Where's Zhetian-kun?"
Toji Suzuhara put his hearing aid back into his white coat pocket. "Boss? He's at my place. Since you can walk now, why don't you come over too? You must be hungry, right? Boss and Asuka made dinner together this time."
Shinji Ikari nodded mechanically and glanced at a jacket on the nearby table. He picked it up and unfolded it.
Toji Suzuhara stepped forward. "Want me to help you put it on? You've only just recovered, after all."
To change anything, he first had to take a step forward himself.
"No, I can manage. I'll put it on myself. Thank you, Toji."
Shinji Ikari removed the packaging, put