AUDIENCE FOR: Clementine

[guestservices]

Comments

[stillnot]

I guess it's just... Weird. Makes it feel like none of it really mattered.

[ the idea that you can just be plucked out of someone's life without any real impact is depressing - but that's how it had been in the realm, too. every time her memories of someone were taken away, it was just a drop in the bucket that didn't change much.

anyway she feels awkward telling this to them. so. ]

It's whatever.

[guestservices]

[they don't reply for a long moment.]

Perhaps it didn't. But, simultaneously, you learned from the experience the first time and gained something you can't easily remove yourself. Despite not being the same person who remembers you, they are ultimately the same at their core, are they not? Likely, the relationship could be reformed.

[there's another pause.]

And, well, pragmatically speaking...it would be better to know where you rank with your fellow guests should another incident occur.

[stillnot]

It's still hard to just start over when I know them and they don't know me. How am I supposed to know where I "rank" with people like this?

[ how do you know when you're oversharing, how do you know when they're just humoring you, how do you know anything! it's! hard! ]

[guestservices]

Might I suggest starting with an introduction? You already know what they're like and how they operate. It's a bit of an advantage for you whilst they get to know you again.

[stillnot]

... An introduction.

[guestservices]

An introduction, or...bonding. [they seem to almost grimace upon saying that.] It's difficult to know where you rank with others if you don't make attempts to speak with them outside of exchanging brief pleasantries.

[stillnot]

What makes you think I'm not trying?

[ is it the everything about her??? ]

[guestservices]

[yeah, they kind of just stare at her for a long moment. it is, in fact, her everything.]

[stillnot]

[ :///////// ]

[guestservices]

[:\\\\\]

It is a completely valid question.

[stillnot]

I'm am trying. God.

[guestservices]

Okay. [god.]

To clarify, it doesn't have to be a big gesture either. You could start with discussing hobbies, for example. Things you wish to try. People you know and miss. Your favorite foods. I've heard simple topics are an easy way to find common ground.

[stillnot]

[ a look of mild, genuine concern because she hasn't had the luxury to develop hobbies or favorite foods? ]

Uh... Right...

[guestservices]

[. . .]

...you're overthinking, Miss Clementine.

[stillnot]

Am not.

[guestservices]

Are too.

[stillnot]

I'm not. And talking about people we miss is depressing. No one wants to do that.

[guestservices]

Let me ask you this then. What would you prefer to talk about if someone approached you for a conversation?

[stillnot]

Ideally if they had useful information, they'd start by telling me that.

[ this might? be a joke? ]

[guestservices]

Hysterical. [dryly. but they also seem to realize it's a joke.] And if they didn't?

[stillnot]

I don't know. I like hearing about people's lives, I guess? Like... Their hobbies and what they do each day. When things aren't bad.

[ so basically she would just rather listen than talk is the problem. ]

[guestservices]

Right. [that is a start, at least.] Perhaps the best place to start then is by asking them about those things? While this hotel isn't home for any of you, it's possible you can speak with others and perhaps settle into some of the things they do each day.

Miss Lup cooks, for instance. You could ask her to teach you while spending more time with her.

[stillnot]

... I guess I should probably stop just mooching off of her and actually learn.

[ fair enough ]

[guestservices]

As if she wouldn't spoil you if you simply asked. [but yes, fair enough.]

It's a start. Take what you know about these people and learn more about them that way.

[stillnot]

You guys watch us really closely, huh?