Action - sometime in April between Palace forays

[kotoritori]

[Mato can often be found hanging out at a neighborhood basketball court while the Todd Woodrow Palace infiltration mission is unfolding, putting a lot of effort into practicing. It's pretty clear to anyone watching that she's playing distracted, though, as she misses more shots than usual and seems to be silently berating herself every time she messes something up. There's definitely something on her mind right now. It's a perfect chance to come and talk to her when she finally sits down on a nearby bench to take a break.]

...Is this really enough?

Comments

[returnher]

[A voice from behind]

Still nervous?

[kotoritori]

A little... I guess.

[She sighs, rolling the basketball back and forth under her foot.]

This time, I just really didn't want to see what the Palace looked like. I mean... I'm the same age as some of those kids.

[returnher]

I wish I could say it gets better but it really doesn't. I've been to a few more than you and I've seen some things.

[kotoritori]

I know.

[She sighs a little, shaking her head.]

I mean, Miss Saya was one thing, but I'm sure he's abusing those kids with more than just words.

[returnher]

Count on it. That's why we have to do what we have to do.

[kotoritori]

Yeah... and we're not alone, right? I saw the stuff about what happened in Korea and France.

[Normally kids like her don't pay attention to the news, but some parallels are hard to ignore.]

[returnher]

We're part of something bigger. It's an exciting time.

[kotoritori]

I still almost can't believe it. I thought the biggest thing I'd ever be part of was the basketball team.