link Shez volume_up
Yuri's still not back yet? It's been five days... Hm, what's this?
link Shez volume_up
A letter? Not like him to leave his stuff lying around. I wonder if it says anything about where he went.
link Shez volume_up
Well, it's just sitting there. Can't hurt to take a peek, right?
link Shez volume_up
"Are you well? Eating enough? I worry about you all the time."
link Shez volume_up
"Thank you for sending money always. I want to see you soon."
link Shez volume_up
Huh. Is this letter for Yuri? It's got a different name on it.
link Yuri volume_up
Having fun?
link Shez volume_up
Yuri?! Wow, you really snuck up on me. When did you get back?
link Yuri volume_up
Just now. More importantly, why are you snooping through things that don't belong to you?
link Yuri volume_up
Choose your next words carefully if you don't want them to be your last.
link Shez volume_up
I'm sorry. It was just sitting out in the open, so I thought it'd be OK if I read it.
link Shez volume_up
I was worried you weren't coming back.
link Shez volume_up
It's not what it looks like. You've been gone for a while, so I just wanted to see if you were back yet.
link Yuri volume_up
Then what's with the letter? Lying doesn't really work when you've been caught red-handed.
link Yuri volume_up
Oh, never mind. I can't imagine you'd have a reason to pry into my affairs.
link Yuri volume_up
I suppose this is what I get for taking off without telling anyone. And for being so careless.
link Shez volume_up
Yeah, I thought you'd be the last person to leave something like this behind.
link Shez volume_up
You must've left in a hurry.
link Yuri volume_up
You could say that.
link Shez volume_up
Was it because of the letter? I assume it's from someone in your family. Maybe a little brother or sister?
link Yuri volume_up
Ha, my mother, actually. She doesn't really have a way with words, I know.
link Shez volume_up
I see. Well, it must've been important. But I know it's none of my business.
link Yuri volume_up
I appreciate your concern, but I don't mind. The letter is from my mother.
link Yuri volume_up
She's always been prone to illness, but lately her condition has grown worse. I try to visit whenever she asks to see me.
link Yuri volume_up
Obviously, there are times when I can't go, but... I have to take all the time I can get, right? I never know which visit will be my final chance to see her.
link Shez volume_up
I understand. Once someone's gone, they're gone.
link Shez volume_up
But wait, the name on that letter... Is that your real name?
link Shez volume_up
So Yuri's an alias and you're really Reg—
link Yuri volume_up
No need to say it. And yes. What parent would call their kid by an alias anyway?
link Shez volume_up
Fair point. It's a nice name though. Why hide it?
link Yuri volume_up
In my line of work, it pays to have more than a few names. And don't go telling anyone about this. You won't like to find out what happens if you do.
link Shez volume_up
I won't, promise. And if I do slip up, you're free to do your worst.
link Shez volume_up
OK, take it down a notch. Besides, a threat like that's kinda tempting. Makes me wanna "slip up" just to see what happens.
link Yuri volume_up
You don't think I'm serious? Fine then. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
link Shez volume_up
In any case, I am sorry for prying. And for what it's worth, I hope your mom gets better soon.
link Yuri volume_up
If it were easy to cure, then we wouldn't even be talking about it. But I appreciate the sentiment nonetheless.