S1023B

... She was happy to see me, too.

But I can't bring her home. I don't even know where her home is... or what home is.

Even still... she was grateful and happy to see me.

.......

What is "home"?

Some place that always welcomes its master's return...? Hmm... I had not thought this to be a difficult concept to explain...

... The place where you take your first steps. Because home is where we all began our journeys.

... Then, is "outside" your home?

No. But "outside" is where our homes are.

What about her...? Is her home in the Grand Magasin...?

No. She was also... someone who used to live "outside."

... What about... the one-legged lady? Or the lady who used to sing me a song...?

They are all... from the "outside."

What about... me?

Am I the... only one who was born here? Why...?

... You were woven into being by the Rouges, who lost the Voice they were supposed to hear. They made you to be their new Voice.

Am I... supposed to be a "Voice"...?

Young Pwie, there is no such thing as what thou art "supposed to be" - thy path ought to be something thou pavest, not to be defined by others.

... So... there wasn't anything you were supposed to be when you were born?

.......

... There are, indeed, certain designations that were bestowed upon us at our birth.

Yet, I would rather not have them define my purpose in life. I endeavor not to make it so.

I was... "supposed to be" the jade of Daguanyuan. That was the sole purpose for which I was born. And, for a while... I was.

But not anymore. Because a jade was what the elders wanted me to be, not who I wanted to become.

... Then... can I not be something that I'm supposed to become? Even if that's the whole reason I was birthed for?

.......

Don Quixote pursed her lips with a grim expression. Pwie's question must've given her much to think about.

Sensing the odd current of the room, and reminded of our earlier discussion, Pwie briefly raised their hand... and lowered it, instead choosing to ask Meursault.

Can I?

That is... something only you can decide for yourself. But...

... it is not an easy question to answer.

.......

The room had fallen completely silent now. Pwie's eyes darted around the room, not knowing where to rest...

... and they muttered:

I think I understand now.

Hm? What did you understand?

I understand now... Why you don't want things to get awkward.