[ She shook her head. No, they didn't run away. But those questions... If she just told Rosemary the whole truth, she was likely to get defensive and reject it in block. That's what had happened when she'd mentioned the strange circumstances behind her having a child nearly her age. She'd rationalized and rejected it all.

What was it psychiatrists always said? "I can help you walk the road, but you're the only one who can get there." Or something along those lines. Perhaps that was the best approach. Not tell her everything, but try to guide her so she can discover it all on her own.

Someone please app Freud. ]

When I had my epiphany... It was so sudden. So much so, I think deep down I was in denial. At first, I noticed the inconsistencies, the little details that were off. But what terrified me the most was the way nobody else noticed any of these things. And the more I explored that feeling, the more everything else fell apart. Until...

[ She cut her sentence short. Until it all broke down. Takame was still here, wasn't he...? She probably would have to do some explaining later. She'd not wanted to speak of this to anyone. But if there was even the slightest chance Rosemary could help with finding the people who had disappeared, she had to. ]

It's so scary. I wouldn't wish for anyone to go through such an experience. [A pause.] But you have to. Even if you think what I'm saying sounds crazy... Ask yourself why a part of you relates to it. And if it scares you when you realize the truth... Then please contact me. You are not alone.

[ She looked down. She probably couldn't say much more. Perhaps Takame would have more to add. ]