Something good happen, Shizuku?

Can you tell?

Sure can. You've been grinning ear to ear for a while now, and it looks like you can barely sit still.

*Giggle* Well, there is this children's author I've loved ever since I was a little girl. They're holding a book signing event and I was selected to attend!

That's amazing! No wonder you're so excited!

Yes, I have been all giddy ever since I received the notice. It all still feels like a dream.

Oh, I know! May I ask a favor of you?

Could you possibly help me practice my conversational skills?

Practice your conversational skills? What do you mean?

I'll have a chance to talk to the author while I am getting their autograph.

So I want to tell them how grateful I am to them and my thoughts on their books, but I'm not confident that I will be able to adequately do so.

You mean, because you'll be too nervous?

No, because I have so much to say. I'm not sure I'll be able to fit it all in the limited time allocated to me.

Ohhh, that's what you mean? Wow, you must REALLY like this author if you have that much to say.

Yes! I really admire them!

Then we definitely wanna make sure you get your message across so you leave with no regrets. How long do you get to speak with them?

Hmm… Ten seconds? Maybe twenty seconds at the very longest.

Huh. That really cuts down on what you can talk about. Let's see what we can do.

Thank you!

Here goes… Congratulations on the release of your new book. I have been an avid reader of your books since before I even started kindergarten.

Shizuku, here's where you shake hands.

Huh?! Oh, right…! Um, uhh, may I shake your hand?

Your hand is so warm… Wait, no! My mind completely blanked after shaking your hand!

It's okay. Just calm down.

Phew…

Though your books are written for children, I'm always impressed by the strong themes attached to them and the depth that draws both children and adults in.

Out of all of your books, I've read The Glass Cat so often that it has been rendered to tatters. I'm actually on my fifth copy of it.

Truly, the challenges that the young main character must–

Stop, stop! You'll easily go over 20 seconds at this rate.

Impossible… I haven't even gotten to the main point…

Haha… We've really got our work cut out for us.

[Fade in/out.]

How was the autograph session, Shizuku? Did you get your feelings across?

Please don't ask me about that…

Huh? Uh, I'm guessing it didn't go well?

*Sob* I was so nervous I couldn't speak! I practiced so hard, but I couldn't tell them anything! The moment I saw their face I started crying and I was rendered speechless!

You know, I think you got your feelings across just fine. There are some things you can say without words.

Think about your audience when you're on stage. They're not saying a word, but you can tell they're having a good time just by looking at them, right?

Oh! Y-You're right. I absolutely understand! I can sense their feelings all too well!

Now I see. It must have been just like that for them…

Exactly. Maybe you couldn't say anything when you were there, but I'm sure they understood how you felt.

I'm sure you're right. They had such a kind look on their face…

You know, you could write them a letter to tell them what you weren't able to say in person.

That is an excellent idea! I must get a new stationery set right away! Please come help me choose one.