Guess Who's Coming... Never Mind/Transcript: Difference between revisions

}}NARRATOR: "I don't think I like riding on buses. In fact, I think I'm pretty comfortable saying that as a fact. They sway a lot, and they smell funny, and you can feel every bump in the road. Plus Emi's legs keep making a clanking noise that draws the attention of everyone else on the bus. She's wearing a pair of long pants again, and her regular legs, so you can't tell that she's missing anything at all. But that doesn't stop the odd look or two every time her foot hits the ground with an audible clunk. I shift nervously in my seat and Emi raises an eyebrow questioningly. She doesn't seem to mind the stares; either that or she doesn't even notice that people are staring. I'm sure she's gotten her fill of odd looks before. After a certain amount of time, I doubt she notices anymore. Not that she'd ever tell me if I asked. Another fact is, I'm not just uncomfortable about the bus. I can not seem to come to terms with the fact that Emi appears to be trying to bring me closer while at the same time pushing me away."

NARRATOR: "The nurse said she trusts me, even if it doesn't look like it. But I'm not sure I can trust the nurse. He's protective of Emi, just like I'm protective of Emi. And I'd be likely to say something to make her look good if someone asked me about her. So he might just be doing that. Still, there was something about the way he seemed genuinely surprised that Emi invited me along... Maybe last night's talk helped more than I think. But I'm still worried."|-|

NARRATOR: "Meeting the parents is a big deal, right? Not that I haven't already met Emi's mother, but that was as just an acquaintance. Now it's going to be as Emi's boyfriend. With everything that implies. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, an echo of that snow-covered afternoon that feels like it was so long ago that it might as well be another life entirely. Except then, I didn't know what was going on. Didn't have medication to help prevent things spiraling out of control, either. I've come a long way in terms of my physical health, and for the second time today I feel like I'll be able to live normally now. Or whatever passes for normal, anyway. Now if only I could manage my relationship as well as I've managed my heart, I'd be in great shape."

EMI: "We're here."

 

 

NARRATOR: "Emi grabs my hand and we hop off the bus. Emi starts heading down the street almost immediately."

NARRATOR: "This sudden and unprompted reference to her father catches me off guard. And from the look on Emi's face, I'm not sure she meant to mention him. I don't think I've ever heard her talk about him. All I remember is that Emi's mom told me that he wasn't around anymore."

NARRATOR: "Emi laughs, then. It's either from relief that I didn't ask about her father or from finding my statement actually funny."

EMI: "Not at all! She's why I'm such an outgoing person, you know. She just prefers to be a guest rather than a hostess. Less stressful that way, or so she says."

NARRATOR: "Emi giggles again, and speaks in a teasing tone."

EMI: "Nervous, Hisao? You shouldn't be, you know! It's not that big of a deal! Just dinner at my house, that's all!"

NARRATOR: "I confess that part of me dreads hearing the answer to this. I know very little of Emi's past relationships—I don't even know if there '''were''' past relationships."

EMI: "No, I guess I haven't."

 

 

EMI: "Hey, maybe this really is kind of a big deal after all..."

NARRATOR: "Though to tell the truth I'm pretty happy to hear that I'm the first one. Maybe we've got something special after all. Bolstered by this new thought, I've managed to calm down considerably by the time Emi knocks on her front door."

EMI: "Hey, open up mom! We're here!"

NARRATOR: "The door swings open and Mrs. Ibarazaki stands grinning at her daughter. The grin is still surprisingly similar to her daughter's. I'm never going to get used to that."

MEIKO: "Ah, of course. Welcome home, dear, I've missed you."

NARRATOR: "An affectionate hug later we're inside the door, and it is only then that Emi's mom seems to remember that I'm here at all."

MEIKO: "Is that so? I'm very glad to hear that, Emi. You know I get worried when you get all wound up about... well, exams."

NARRATOR: "Hmm. Certainly Emi's mother knows something I don't—or rather, she doesn't know that Emi's told me about the nightmares. It's interesting, being able to observe how Mrs. Ibarazaki covers for Emi. That protective instinct to make sure that I don't know any more than Emi's willing to tell me."

NARRATOR: "I wonder if Emi will indicate that I know about the nightmares. Or does she just keep everything secret from everybody?"

EMI: "Yeah, it's not been as bad this year as it usually was. Hisao's helped to keep me focused."

NARRATOR: "Okay, I know that's not true. She even cut off contact outside of school hours during exam week! But... she did see me during the day. And she told me more than once that the morning run was the only thing she looked forward to during exams, so maybe it's not that unlikely. Either way, to hear that being around has helped even a little makes me feel a bit better. Emi's mother raises an eyebrow at this statement. Either she doesn't believe Emi, or she's as surprised as I am by her statement."

HISAO: "Actually, I'd say your daughter's been the one taking care of me. She's gotten me out and running. I've probably been more active since meeting her than I ever was, even before..."

NARRATOR: "I'd actually never thought of that much before. Nor had I ever appreciated the humor in it. I wasn't too active before the heart attack. Pickup games of soccer don't count; it's not like I did them often. So now that I know for sure that I have a weak heart, '''now''' I run every day, pushing my luck with the help of my medication. I chuckle quietly, then realize that I never finished my sentence."

NARRATOR: "It comes out so casually. There was a time that I would have thought twice about talking about what was wrong with me at all. But now? Now it just seems silly to care. Especially in the company of Emi and her mother. If Emi can be cavalier about her disability, then so can I. I think back to the track meet, where Emi declared herself the fastest thing on no legs. The fact of her obvious loss has never seemed to bother her, at least not in public. Being stuck in the wheelchair had frustrated her, I know, but even that was something she'd dealt with on her own. Despite my efforts to the contrary."

MEIKO: "I'm not surprised that she managed to rope you in to an exercise routine. If [[Rin]] weren't just as stubborn as she is, I'm sure that Emi would have gotten her out and running with you too."

MEIKO: "Well I for one found it a relief."

MEIKO: "Emi's always been a popular girl, but never made many close friends. Especially not with a boy."

NARRATOR: "This is a bit of news to me. I've always seen Emi chatting with her classmates in the hallways. And certainly the whole track team seems to love her, but it is true that she chooses to isolate herself during lunch with Rin and I. Not exactly the sort of behavior one expects from a popular girl, after all. Then again, I've experienced her unwillingness to get close first-hand, so I can't say I'm that surprised."

NARRATOR: "Emi rolls her eyes to the ceiling, and grumbles something I can't quite make out."

 

EMI: "Oh sure, that one time in the art room and she gets doubts..."

NARRATOR: "Was she joking just now? From the grin on her face, I'm inclined to say she was. Mrs. Ibarazaki certainly seems to think so, as she chokes on her drink with laughter."

MEIKO: "You've been hanging out with the nurse too long, Emi. I'm going to have to talk to him about corrupting my daughter."

HISAO: "Oh, I don't know Emi, I think your mother has a point."

HISAO: "Yeah, but you did lie about your leg after the meet—ow!"

NARRATOR: "The last few mumbled words are quickly deciphered (I suspect Emi's mother has experience with this sort of thing) and a worried frown appears on her face."

MEIKO: "Oh Emi... I know how much you hate being in a wheelchair. No wonder you've been in such a mood lately!"

EMI: "Yeah it sucked. Oh, did you see Rin's mural at the festival?"

NARRATOR: "Emi's sudden change of topic makes me realize belatedly that she'd been fidgeting the whole time her mother and I had been talking. I should have figured on her being a little skittish when it comes to talking about the accident. Even around her mother."

EMI: "That's not suprising. I don't think Rin expects to be understood. She told me once that art allows people to understand stuff they wouldn't understand otherwise, but all the same she doesn't think it actually works that way."

NARRATOR: "I'm actually surprised that Emi's talked about this with Rin extensively enough to actually have Rin's opinion, such as it is. But I probably expect that Rin could not, if she were so inclined, do the same thing to Emi. Unless, of course, Emi is only keeping me in the dark about everything. Which is likely, but unpleasant to think about. I drift down this unpleasant train of thought for a while, losing track of the conversation."

MEIKO: "Of course we can, dear. I'm sorry to bring it up, I just wanted to ask again so I could make plans—"

NARRATOR: "Emi gets up suddenly and leaves the table, leaving me and Mrs. Ibarazaki alone. I'm a little conflicted. Should I go after her, or should I stay here? It's obvious that Emi's departure was not based on the call of nature. Something's bothering her, and I have to know what it is."<ref>If Hisao talked to Mutou in [[Phantom Pain/Transcript|Phantom Pain]], then the player gets to make this choice. If Hisao didn't talk to Mutou, it automatically invokes "Talk to Emi's mom.".</ref>

NARRATOR: "The only way to find out is to go to the source. And the source is currently pretending that she has to use the toilet. I excuse myself politely from the table and head upstairs. Emi's left the bathroom door open, and as I approach I can see that she's staring in the mirror in an attempt to compose herself, an effort that fails as soon as I open my mouth. Doesn't look like nature's call was that urgent. Emi jumps and glares at me."

EMI: "What are you doing up here? I didn't come up here to be with other people."

HISAO: "I just wanted to help you. You looked pretty rattled down there."

EMI: "Look who's talking. The guy who followed me into the bathroom."

HISAO: "This is different! I want to help you with...whatever this is."

EMI: "Really? Because if you thought differently then I don't think you'd be up here saying I need your help. I've gotten pretty far in life as a normal human being without you."

HISAO: "Well no, that much is obvious. You won't even consider that I could be a help to you, will you? You'll just bottle it all up and hope that a run will solve your problems. Or you'll come visit me and we'll fool around until you feel better."

 

HISAO: "That's not being a normal human being, Emi. That's not what a relationship means."

HISAO: "What, have a serious conversation? Be open? Be honest? Give a damn about anyone but yourself and your problems?"

HISAO: "I know you have nightmares. And I know your father's dead. What happened to him?"

HISAO: "What, you won't even answer that question? Fine, keep your secrets. They can lie in the grave with him as far as I'm concerned."

NARRATOR: "What can I do? I walk downstairs, make my apology to Mrs. Ibarazaki, and let myself out."

Talk to Emi's mom.=

MEIKO: "Sorry about that, Hisao. I forget sometimes that Emi's touchy about certain subjects. And I was talking about the wheelchair thing, too..."

MEIKO: "If it were anyone else, I'd say yes. But my daughter is stubborn as a mule, and if she wants to be alone it's best to let her be alone. Otherwise she'll probably say something she'd regret, which would cause you to say something you'd regret, and I would prefer that dinner doesn't end with one or the both of you storming out of the house. If that were to happen I'd be a terrible hostess, wouldn't I? And I've already been foolish once today."

NARRATOR: "Mrs. Ibarazaki frowns, clearly bothered by Emi's omission more than she'd let on."

MEIKO: "What, running off to the bathroom? No, I can't say she does. Keep injuries from her mother, though? Well, that's a little more common. And every time I catch her at it, she assures me that the only reason she didn't tell me is because it wasn't a big deal."

HISAO: "Hey, I've got a question."

HISAO: "Er, yeah. Basically."

HISAO: "But isn't that important? I mean, it's clearly had a huge effect on her if she's still like this so long after the accident happened!"

MEIKO: "Mmm, that's true. It did have a long-lasting effect on her. There are a few things that she'll probably never really get over."

NARRATOR: "For a moment Mrs. Ibarazaki looks incredibly saddened, as if an old hurt is bothering her."

MEIKO: "Okay, maybe it's not that simple, but it's a pretty accurate summation. Emi believes that the accident did not define her—everything she lost that day, that didn't define her either. She's not “that girl who lost her legs,” she's “The Fastest Thing on No Legs.” Her optimism and energy came out of that wreck without a scratch, as far as she's concerned."

 

HISAO: "But it goes beyond that, doesn't it? I mean, last night she told me that she refused to rely on me because it would make losing me too painful."

MEIKO: "Not really. You said she won't tell you about the accident, even though you've asked her about it before."

MEIKO: "The reason she won't talk about it when you ask is because to her it's not something you absolutely need to know. Even if she wasn't terrified of getting too close to you, she still wouldn't talk about it."

HISAO: "But she is afraid of being close to me?"

MEIKO: "And she does this every year. Tell me, if she wasn't able to get through it on her own, do you really think she'd still be alive? She would've killed herself or something equally melodramatic."

MEIKO: "I didn't say that! I hate seeing my daughter like this, and knowing that she could rely on someone at school would let me relax. You just need to understand that accepting help goes against everything Emi thinks about herself and the way the world works. If you still want to offer her help, then I guess that's your call. I'd like you to myself, but I'd be silly not to warn you that it's not going to be easy. You need to be patient with her. She's already closer to you than anyone else she's ever met at Yamaku."

HISAO: "Woah! Didn't hear you come back, Emi."

EMI: "Nope. Just happened to come downstairs at the right moment, I guess."

NARRATOR: "The hurt carried in that last word is almost too much for me to bear. The idea that I could hurt her that much is like being kicked in the gut. Emi's mother looks similarly pained by the thought."

HISAO: "Don't worry about it. Thank you for dinner, Mrs. Ibarazaki. And for the advice."

MEIKO: "It was my pleasure, Hisao. I'm sorry we didn't get to dessert."

HISAO: "That's okay. I have to watch what I eat anyway."

NARRATOR: "I can't help but smile slightly. She can barely articulate her apology, and I really would like to stay... But I don't think I can, right now. I need to think about what her mother said. About what I'm going to do about us. And in her current state, I don't want to accidentally get Emi angry again either."

HISAO: "No, I think I'd better leave. You seem pretty shook up, and, well, I'd only wind up trying to help you again. And I know you'd prefer I didn't, so I'm going to leave instead."

NARRATOR: "I can see that I've hurt Emi by deciding to leave. But there's nothing I can do for her as things stand. And I know that she's too stubborn to admit that she wants me to stick around. I watch various emotions cross Emi's face as she tries to process everything that's just happened. But then comes that calm look again, like last night. And that voice that tries so hard to sound careless."

NARRATOR: "Both of us are now unwilling to concede emotion at this point, and I'm having a hard time keeping up my facade, so I turn on my heel and walk out the door. I shut it behind me slowly, pausing for a moment as the latch catches, my hand on the doorknob. Did I make the right decision just now? Should I have stayed and tried to work things out now? No, I decide. Not in front of her mother like that. In spite of everything, I'd rather keep Emi's mother insulated from the sort of anger that surfaced last night. Even though she's probably used to it, some protective instinct wants me to keep Emi's image as a cheerful girl intact. With a start I realize my hand is still resting on the knob. I take my hand away, put it in my pocket, and head down the slowly darkening street."

<p style="text-align:center;">'''Next Scene: [[Whispers of the Past/Transcript|Whispers of the Past]]'''</p>|-|