video; un: seeingtheworld

[schoolingfish]

[When Luca comes onto the screen, it looks like he's been crying.]

So...um...I just wanted to let everyone know that Varian and Fern are gone. They...probably turned back into squids. Which...I mean, they're still together, so it's fine. They're fine. They're happy out there in the ocean, doing squid things, and really it's not like it's the first time I've realized I'm going to be separated from the people I care about, so...

[After all, when he went to school he was separated from Alberto and his family, expecting to not see them until the summer. Then he ended up here and realized he might very well never see them again. Still, having a feeling of loss strike him like this even in his new life when he's still longing for the people he loves from his previous one to show up...it hits him hard, and he looks like he might start crying again.]

So I'm fine, too.

[This is obviously a lie.]

That's all. I just thought everyone should know.

[He ends the recording right there.]

Comments

[unphase]

Yeah. It's hard on everyone to be away from someone they love. And I'm sure they must have loved you very much.

I hope so. I'm sure they'll be looking out for you.

[but losing people who were loved was never easy. she knew that from hard experience]

[schoolingfish]

Yeah, I'm sure they are. And I'll be looking out for them, too. I'm sure with how much time I spend in the water I'll see them again.

[He doesn't know if that's true, but it's comforting to think.]

[unphase]

Yes, absolutely. You and them and the sea. It will be nice.

[but he still looks so sad that she has to offer] ...can I give you a hug?

[schoolingfish]

Yeah! I'd...really like that.

[Hugs are very much what he needs right now.]

[unphase]

[she gets up from her chair and gives Luca a big, tight hug, murmuring in his ear] I'm so very sorry. I'm not going to say that you're going to be fine because you won't be, at least not right away. But no one can take away your memories of the good times with them.

[schoolingfish]

[He hugs her back tightly and whispers,]

Thanks.

[It's important to remember. Maybe with time, the memories won't hurt, reminding him of what he lost. Maybe with time they'll be fond memories, and he'll just think of all the fun he had.]

[unphase]

[she rests her head on the top of his and whispers back] Anytime.

[she only hopes that her son grows up to be as good and kind as Luca]

Do you all need me to stay the night? I can. I'm great at waffles.

[schoolingfish]

I...

[He thinks about it, unsure of the answer.]

Waffles would be nice. Reaper and Luz usually do most of the cooking, but...it might be nice if they don't have to right now.

[unphase]

All right. [she smiled] Yes, they could use a break after...everything. And all of you could use something nice.

[schoolingfish]

Yeah. I mean, their cooking is always really nice, too, but...it'll be nice if they don't have to after everything. And I like waffles! I never tried them before I came here.

[unphase]

Yeah. I think all of you deserve some attention and affection, given everything. And so do I, I'd never had them until I went to Earth! Would you all happen to have some strawberries or whipped cream or chocolate chips?

[schoolingfish]

Yeah! We have strawberries!

[Which Luca happens to love, so adding strawberries sounds great to him.]

[unphase]

Great! Then, hmm, I should be able to make a basic syrup with them, given a little sugar added to cut strawberries. Would you like that?

[schoolingfish]

Yeah, that would be great!

[unphase]

All right. Waffles with strawberries tomorrow for breakfast. And in the meantime, if you want to talk about anything...anything at all, that's fine.

[schoolingfish]

Thanks! And...I don't know. I know I want company, because I don't want to be alone right now, but...I don't really know what I want to talk about.

[unphase]

That's understandable. And let's see...supposedly our omnis have every movie and TV show ever made stored on them. Is there one in particular you like? We could watch it.

[schoolingfish]

Well...um...I didn't really ever see any movies or TV shows when I was back home, but I've seen a few here.

Can we watch something about space?

[unphase]

[Tinya smiles gently] Of course we can. I know of a funny one that might work? It's in space, but it's also about whales.

[schoolingfish]

Yeah! I definitely want to see that!

[And maybe the whales will add a bit of familiarity to it!]

Wrap here? ❤

[unphase]

All right, we'll watch it.

[and she queues up Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home on her omni, turning it so that it would show the picture on the wall]

Works for me

[schoolingfish]

All right!