I wonder when she's going to come back?

Hasn't it been way too long now?

I didn't think we'd stop seeing her altogether after that… She loves this club.

She's contacting almost 1,000 different people. It sounds like she has no time at all.

How many people has she managed to reach? Do you think she'll come tomorrow?

I don't know…

I really think it's crazy for her to be trying to reach so many people all by herself.

We wanna help her out too.

Yeah, that would be much more efficient.

I told her that when we talked yesterday, but she said she wants to do everything herself… She told me to focus on what I should be doing.

I guess so, but I'm so worried about her I can hardly concentrate on that.

It feels like we're nothing more than strangers if she says she wants to do it all on her own.

Yeah…

I mean, I'm super grateful that she's working so hard on our behalf… I really am, but…

I wish she'd lean on us a little more. Are we that unreliable?

I feel a little sad that she won't rely on us.

You know, I don't want to bum us all out by saying this, but if she's not around then it doesn't even feel worth it to practice.

I totally understand. Whenever I do a good job, she praises me and tells me how amazing I am… So it's hard to not have someone like that around anymore.

And she always looked so happy to be watching us practice. Whenever I saw that, I'd start to have more fun too.

Whenever she was here, it felt like practice finished in a flash. But now…

Yeah. Now it feels like the time just drags on. Plus, this room feels kinda empty without her.

I really wish she'd at least just pop in and say hi.

I do too.

[Fade in/out.]

Uehara?

…

Uehara!

What? Oh, Shioriko… What is it?

That's what I want to know. You looked lost in thought, but you should watch where you're going.

Sorry.

You seem pretty down. Was the situation with the volunteers that much of a shock? You shouldn't let it bother you, that's just how things are.

I actually think it's quite impressive that you managed to get so many people to show up…

No, that's not what's bothering me, exactly.

Then what is it?

I mean, of course it was a shock that not enough volunteers showed up to the session. But that's not it…

Um, I guess I'm having a hard time explaining it.

I'd be happy to listen to you. It's all right if you can't find the right words. Just tell me what you're feeling.

Thank you, Shioriko.

Should we go somewhere we can talk?

Yeah…

[Fade in/out.]

Oh, I see. So that's what's been going on.

I've never seen her like this before. I don't know what to do…

I know, did you ever give her the present we got the other day?

No, not yet. We were going to have a small gathering after the info session, and I planned to give it to her there…

But after what happened, it wasn't the time. And besides, she hasn't come to club practice at all since then, so her old notebook isn't even filled up yet.

You should start by giving her the present. She's a sharp girl, but right now she is so overwhelmed that she's blinded to those around her.

That gift is filled with the love you all have for her… So I'm sure she'll pick up on how you feel when she sees the messages that everyone has written.

You really think so?

Yes, I really do. Let me set up a time for you two to talk.

What? But… Won't that be too much trouble for you?

No, not at all. Actually, I think I'm partially responsible for things turning out this way, so please let me help.

Thank you, Shioriko!