flickerflash | [Accidental Voice -> Deliberate Voice]

[Accidental Voice -> Deliberate Voice]

[And this early evening, the journal will pick up the sound of one small British girl muttering to herself.]

Well, this is very rude. It didn't snow last autumn, you know. I think I ought to complain.

[Huff. Followed by a small ow, barely heard. And silence. Then finally:]

Oh! [And the journal is picked up finally. Because you, the townsfolk, should know the answer to this question. Clearly.] Did we get visited by aliens in the night? I think I've been experimented on. [Okay, that is totally the best thing ever.] I hope they looked like Elvis clones.

Has anyone seen my cat?

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Oh, yes. I'm quite warm, thank you. I built myself a fire. [She has done no such thing, but she is heading back for warmer territory now. She's dressed for spring. Luckily, she's dressed for spring in Bath.] Does it often snow this early?

[Well, from what she knows of her, she knows not to trust that answer completely. Sigh Katie.]

It's the beginning of January, the heart of winter. So the snow is quite seasonal... for this place.

January? Did I go missing, then?

[There's a pause. And then a small sound of dismay.]

I missed all the leaves coming down. [UNFAIR. And then guiltily:] Am I in trouble for missing school? I would think 'kidnapped by aliens' is a very good excuse, isn't it?

Yes, you were gone for a few months.

... We'd love to have you back, either way. You sound very well, you know, for someone who's been kidnapped by aliens.

Well, aliens just like to experiment, you know. Sometimes they just tickle you a lot. [So say the cheesy cartoons of her youth. Oh. This means she missed Christmas, too. That's so unfair.]

Is everyone still here?

[Because Raine will know that, right? >>]

I suppose that depends on who you mean by 'everyone'. [She knows the faces that were in the mural, but even then that feels like something that she shouldn't have too much knowledge of.] ... I would think that at least a majority of the people you knew before may still be around, and surely they'll respond to hearing your voice.

[Taking a minute to run that through her brain, and then she nods slowly.]

I wonder if they missed me.

Well, I missed you. And I'm certain that the others have as well.

[That gets a wide smile.] Really? I'm sorry I slept for so long, then. I shall have to make up for it somehow.

It wasn't your choice to be sent away, so don't worry about any expectations. What matters is that you're here now, and that you're well.

I'm very well! I'm sure I'd be more well if I had some cake, but I shall have to make do. [She peers up at the sky. January, huh?] Is school on holidays?

It's actually opening up again from the long break on this coming Monday. So you're right on time.

[Oh dangit. She scowls.] Does that mean I missed all the Christmas holidays and Autumn? I shall have to have words.

I'm afraid so, Katie. It will have to be made up to you somehow.

In that case, I shall have to come up with a list of demands. [Intriguing.] Do you think the scientists would give me a neverending box of Skittles?

Probably not, but it never hurts to ask.

Can you tell me where you aren't? I'd like to see you. [In the hopes that she will actually say where she is so she can try and meet her.]

[She goes to answer, realises what Raine said, and actually giggles.]

Well, I'm definitely not in the forest. No houses to be seen anywhere nearby, either. Would you like me to come and see you?

I don't have any skittles, so I hope that cocoa and cookies won't make a suitable substitute.

Oh, that's a terrible substitute. [Her eyes light up.] Where are you?

You definitely won't find me at home.

[But all teasing aside:] ... are you sure you'll be able to get here all right?

[It is a cold day after all.]

Well, I might drown in snow before I get there. I shall try not to freeze. [She doesn't seem particularly perturbed, however.]

Well, if you take too long, I'll try looking for you. [But she figures there are more important people she'd rather visit first.]

[You'd be surprised how far up the list cookies and cocoa will take you. Katie stops in just long enough to see Katara, and then she'll be knocking a little timidly on Raine's door. It's sort of like going to see your teacher after class.]

[It doesn't take Raine long to respond to the knock, as she moves from the kitchen area to open the door for her. And will first take a careful look to make sure that the girl is bundled up properly in lieu of the weather.]

Ah, there you are. Please, come right inside, Katie.

[She seems to have borrowed Katara's coat, by the looks of things, huddled up to her nose in comfy fleecy parka, but she scuttles in out of the cold the second she's invited.]

Thank you. Hello.

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[ voice ] DW is eating my tags sob. Either that or gmail is B|

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