come out of hiding, i'm right here beside you

[barehands]

[A while after the execution has ended, everyone will find a simple note slipped under their door.]

If you don't want to be alone after everything that's happening, some of us will be in the dining room. Even if you decide not to come, please remember that you aren't alone here.

[The note isn't signed, but the handwriting is feminine and neat.

For anyone who decides to come, there's a good array of food laid out on the table. There are some small and simple cakes, cookies, and pastries, a healthy amount of okonomiyaki, okayu, and other Japanese dishes (with a focus on rice and eggs), along with curry. In addition, there are pancakes, and a large pot of soup. It looks like a few people collaborated to make enough food for everyone here.

Just like the meal they shared together earlier in the week, the candles from the storage room lend a more peaceful light than the fluorescent lights above.]

Comments

[aspiringly]

I find that people are all too willing to underestimate children, usually to their own detriment. Hopefully this won't become an issue in the future, but it can otherwise serve as ample warning for those thinking to make their own move.

[georgeous]

At least people should know better than to equate cuteness with innocence from now on. I am more concerned that they will not care anyway. The sympathy for Arietta was rather overwhelming, all things considered.

[aspiringly]

Revenge for one's family can be a powerful motivator for some, so it's not surprising to see that there were those who were reluctant to condemn her. Still, it's at least heartening to see that enough evidence is enough to convince even her most staunch defenders. It's better than those who remain in denial to the bitter end.

[georgeous]

You're an optimist as expected.

Let us hope we have enough evidence the next time as well - though that depends on ourselves and our willingness to look with open eyes first and foremost.

[aspiringly]

Rather than optimism, it would be more accurate to say that I simply believe that anything can be accomplished given enough effort.

Of course. This experience has also allowed us to gauge our own abilities in regards to that, so we at least we can work to improve on any points we were lacking in.