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Christmas & New Year's/2020/Story

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Event Story Dialogue

Introduction[]

Christmas Eve is when everyone returns to their home. As you walk past a bar, you see a drunk person sitting on the entrance staircase.

When I play my music, I don't have to worry about getting an audience... Yet on this Christmas night, alcohol is my true companion.

Good evening, why haven't you gone home?

Good evening. I wanted to walk around before heading home. Just like you, I love spending the night outdoors on the stairs at a bar's entrance.

Home, a shelter on Christmas Eve.

Haha, you're interesting.

We don't have to call each other by name, friend. My name will surprise you and ruin the night.

At this moment, in front of a bar on the side of a snow-covered street, I'm just a violinist.

...Don't get me wrong —— I'm fine with spending Christmas Eve with alcohol.

Like many unfortunate people, when my money runs out, my companion will be gone as well.

(Tipsy) Hmm... however, the coins in your hand is just enough for us to unite~

It's just a Christmas commemorative coin... Maybe you'll get some real money if you ask someone else.

(Snatches the coin) I may be drunk, but I can still recognize the scent of money.

Since you're so generous, let me play you a song——

A coin for a song. While this may not be a concert, it's certainly worth it.

Well then, what kind of song would you like me to play?

A song about family. A song about friends.

Family, a constant theme for Christmas.

Friend. Am I enough alone?

A song about hometown. A song about finding oneself.

A traveler often gets sick during the holidays.

… Interesting choice.

Antonio begins to play a melody. Others on the street gather around to enjoy his performance.

This is why performing on the street is so much fun.

There's always someone new in the audience, each with their own story.

Antonio[]

Initial meeting[]

 (Everyone left after the performance) Oh, well, I guess I'll be my own audience.
Hey, I'm still here. Hey! I paid for the outdoor performance, too.

Hehehe, turns out there's still one loyal listener.

Even if there's only the two of us——

——so long as there's someone here to listen and someone here to play, it's going to be an amazing performance.

Before you play, can you tell me what your real name is—? "Master", can you tell me what your real name is?

I'm Master Antonio, the Violinist.

You don't have to hide your surprise, and you can keep your excitement to yourself.

Those who've heard my name and listen to me play will always be awed—

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

Hmm… I just realized how talented you are.

What talent? Are you saying I have musical talent?
You’re a talented listener!
...you’ve got to be kidding. What kind of talent is that? You really know how to insult others.

I’m serious. One must first learn to “listen” in order to become a musician.

Listen to others’ performance, listen to their own performance,

listen to what others have to say, listen to their own heart.

–yet it’s not easy to be a good listener.

Then you must be an excellent listener. Tell me what kind of listener you are, then.

The gentle serenades in casinos, the decadent music in the royal orchestra–I’ve heard them all.

When I was at my weakest, I had even heard terrifying sounds.

Yet even now, I can’t listen to my own heart clearly.

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

(Applauds) Master, not only is your music mesmerizing– The way you move when you play the music is really...pleasing to the eyes.

(Tipsy) Eh? What are you trying to imply?

I don’t think anyone else could perform with their hair and a single string! How did you manage to perform with your hair?

(Holds his hair) This? It’s just natural to me.

All of my hair is strings connected to invisible ropes–ropes that take control of me when I’m out of it.

I don’t get it–someone’s controlling you when you’re asleep? Invisible ropes? Are you hallucinating due to alcohol, master?

...when I’m out of it, it will guide, control, manipulate...

I’m intoxicated, not with alcohol but with music.

No one is as talented as I am, and no one can be as intoxicated with music as I do.

–to a point where I lose myself.

...when I raise my hands, I’m Master Antonio, the Violinist.

But when I put my hands down while I’m asleep, who’s picking up the violin bow–?

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

 Zzzz...Zzzz...
Mister? Master Antonio? Antonio?

Zzzz...Zzzz...Zzzz...

Zzzz...

Get off–I won’t stay...Zzzz...

Seriously… how could he fall asleep on the street in this cold weather? And talking in his sleep, no less? A bunch of nonsense… how much did he drink?

Zzzz… Good question…

...good question… If you want me to stay–

You’d first get that shameless princess... off my bed...

Burp...

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

Hmm… not bad, more money for drinks.

Master Antonio, you can perform at a high-end bar or even on royal banquets with your status and skills. Master, why are you wasting your talent playing money on the streets?

Hmph, I’ve had enough of those upper society snobs.

In order to show the world that they are of a different class,

they scoured all over the world for rare items and talents to make themselves look good.

But you did convince them with your music. But you did perform your music for them, didn’t you?

Those pretentious folks didn’t respect music at all. All they needed was a toy.

When the toy was out of their control, what do you think those vain and stingy folks would do?

...however, I never thought I’d end up in a place like this today,

where I’d get the chance to simply enjoy music and alcohol.

Get rid of those trivial nonsense! So what if it’s cold and you’re all alone.

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

–I suppose this song was somewhat up to my usual standard.

A standard which no other musicians can achieve, hahaha...

That was awesome! Luck was certainly on my side. I never thought I’d run into such an amazing performance.

Hmph, you haven’t seen anything yet.

Have you listened to a proper solo in G? Have you felt the tide-like melody of Perpetual Motion?

Now that will show you the real skills of Master Antonio–

Is there a chance for me to…? Will Master be willing to perform some more if I spare a few more coins?

Don’t be greedy. My performance today should be enough for you to savor for a long time!

Anyways, I did gain something today.

As both a performer and a listener.

How long has it been since I played for myself last time?

It should be back then when I let go of myself and embraced my talent.

...since the “demon’s music.”

Demon? You’re either really drunk or bewitched. Are you so drunk that you’re bewitched?

Bewitched? Hahaha, how well do you know about your life?

(Lifts the violin) So long as I hold on to this, I’m a genius master.

(Raises the bottle) So long as I have this, I’m Antonio.

Let’s be ourselves tonight.

Emma (Longing Tune)[]

Initial meeting[]

… hi there, I’ve never heard music that’s...so relatable before.

This reminds me of my father and the many Christmases we spent together.

When I was young, I’d always get two presents for Christmas.

My birthday is on December 21. Father would always prepare a present and hide it from me.

On Christmas day, he would put my birthday present and Christmas present under the tree.

He’s no longer around and I haven’t received any presents for years.

I’m sorry, I should have picked a more cheerful song. (Stretches hands out) I don’t have any presents for you.
No, don't get me wrong. The violinist's performance is a present on its own.

Can I stay?

I won’t disturb you. I just want to listen.

Oh right, I’m Emma. Emma Woods.

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

No one has ever played a song for me. This is awesome!

Father spent a lot of time with me, but he didn’t know how to play any instruments.

The only thing he brought home that could make a sound –bang!– was a semi-finished gun made in his factory.

A gun? That’s too dangerous! Giving his daughter a gun as a present...how lovely...
I prefer the doll father brought home when he ran a textile factory–

–he made it himself, my personal doll!

He said he also made two “little bodyguards” for the doll.

But I never got the chance to see them...

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

Say… will there be pieces like this at a concert?

I never got the chance to go to a concert before.

But I watched a play once. My mother took me, together with an uncle who wore glasses.

You don’t seem to talk about your mother much. A play? That uncle was quite generous with both his time and money.

My mother took on a lot for our family… she was always busy taking care of my father and me.

They had a great time, but I didn’t really get it and I wasn’t in the mood anyway.

I didn’t like that man. I wished father would have gone to the play with us...

But father and mother were in a quarrel back then.

If there’s a chance, I really wish I can listen to this song with my parents.

A Christmas Eve song just for us.

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

This song is great. The musician is so talented–

I’m just a humble gardener… I’ve never studied music.

I’m actually quite interested to hear Miss Emma sing. You can practice by singing to your plants.

Uh, but I’m not good at singing.

Not everyone can sing like a canary.

I prefer trimming branches and fertilizing the soil.

...I’d be grateful if I ever get to own a flower shop.

Being a gardener requires patience. Don’t you find it boring dealing with plants every day?

Unlike music appreciation, some people consider it boring to spend time with plants. They’re slow and brittle.

Yet during my days at the orphanage, watching the plants grow freely outside the fence brings comfort to my heart.

If there was music like this available to me back then… perhaps it would have been easier.

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

This song reminds me of my last Christmas.

The last Christmas I spent with my father...

Back then, my father dressed up as Santa Claus and I dressed up like a Christmas tree.

He was really tall and I was little, so he always gives me a piggyback.

How sweet. You must really love each other. It must have been interesting, a Santa Claus with a Christmas tree on his back.

He said, “Emma, this little tree of yours will be filled with so many presents next year that I won’t be able to see your little face.”

My father’s words never came true.

But from then on, I did dream about a Christmas tree filled with presents–despite that it doesn’t belong to me.

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

This outdoor concert today was awesome!

Oh right, let’s decorate a Christmas tree together!

Do you have a Christmas tree? What kind of Christmas tree do you like? Fir? Juniper?

… I don’t have a Christmas tree. What about this tree by the bar entrance?
Let’s use the tree by the bar entrance! It will bear witness of us spending Christmas together!
Sounds good! So this will be our Christmas witness!

Merry Christmas! This is a Christmas wreath I made, even though it’s not very intricate,

but I’ve decorated with a lot of fruits and seeds–

They represent this year’s harvest and the hope for the new year. I hope you like it.

Robbie (Longing Tune)[]

Initial Meeting[]

! Waawaa...waa!

! Is someone hiding behind the Christmas tree? ! Hmph… is someone trying to scare us?

(Suddenly jumps out) WAA!!

A child with a cloth mask? A monster with a cloth mask?

Hmm, why aren’t you scared?

I got you, I got you! Wulawulawula.

This song is lovely!

I can tell you’re an interesting fellow.

Play with me!

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

Fuhafuhafuha.

Fuhafuhafuha. Wulawulawula.

Can you listen to the song quietly? You don’t have to make a scene even if you don’t like the song.

I just want to make a scene! Fuhafuhafuha!

Wulawulawu! ...wuwuwuwuwu...

...now you start crying? Take that weird mask off. ...why are you crying all of a sudden? I’m going to call you the crying Axe Boy!

(Runs away) No! No!

Wulawulawu! ...wuwuwuwuwu...

I’m Robbie! Robbie! Robbie!

Robbie–stop crying! Axe Boy, why are you crying?

Wulawulawu! Finally, finally, I’m not spending Christmas by myself!

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

Robbie, can you hear properly with the mask on? Robbie, you won’t grow up properly wearing that mask.

Robbie likes it! Even the juniper tree has a Christmas hat!

Do you like juniper tree? Haha, do you have to compare yourself with a tree?

Robbie likes the stories about juniper trees.

I’ve listened to them many many times.

Robbie also likes to chop down trees, but Robbie won’t chop any juniper trees down.

A huge axe, one that’s even bigger than Robbie. Ka-cha, ka-cha.

...children shouldn’t play with axes. It’s too dangerous. You can’t just go around chopping down trees or playing with axes.

Robbie isn’t playing with axes. Robbie is chopping firewood! Ka-cha, ka-cha!

Oh right, sister says Robbie is doing a good job chopping firewood!

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

Robbie has a sister? Where is she? Robbie, why aren’t you with your sister?

Sister?

...where is sister?

Wulawulawu! ...wuwuwuwuwu...

Robbie can’t remember.

Where did sister go?

Calm down. Try to remember where you saw your sister last. Where did you two get lost?

In the yard, there were nuns and many other children around.

And then… I can’t remember. Robbie woke up under the juniper tree.

But my sister wasn’t there. Robbie couldn’t find her.

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

Wuwuwu...

Robbie wants to play hide & seek.

Robbie wants to play hide & seek with sister.

Does this song...remind you of sister? How do you play hide & seek? Tell me.

Sister used to play hide & seek with Robbie all the time.

Sister couldn’t use her hands properly.

Robbie never hid in boxes.

Robbie would hide behind the juniper tree.

Sister would come and look for Robbie and got scared by Robbie every time!

I was scared by your cloth mask just now. ...she must have a hard life.

Wahaha, wuha!

Enough with the songs. Let’s play!

Let’s play!

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

Ahhhh...

(Gets sleepy) Yawn...

It’s getting late, Robbie. It’s getting late. You should go to bed.

Are you doing what my sister did? Eating in secret, getting presents in secret?

Sister always asked Robbie to sleep first, then she would drink soup in secret.

Robbie took sister’s soup one time. It wasn’t very good.

It wasn’t very good...

I don’t have any food or presents. Presents? Do you see any presents? I’m waiting for you to give me a present!

Eh? You really don’t have any?

Not even one? Not even a Christmas stocking?

...

...here, for you!

This is...a stocking? Just a stocking?

Robbie would always get a stocking from sister at Christmas.

Sister said one must have a stocking in order to get presents.

When you get your presents, you’ll have to give them all to Robbie!

Victor (Anticipation Tune)[]

Initial Meeting[]

(Approaches carefully)

?... Hello? (Looks on with interest)

(Raises head sheepishly)...

He-hello...

You don't like talking to others? (Inches closer with interest)...

(Woof, woof! The dog on the side barks.) Oh, Wick, it... No, I mean...

(Woof, woof! The dog on the side barks.) Oh, Wick, I see...

I'm Victor, this... This is my friend, Wick the Post Dog.

I'm a Postman and this is a Post Dog.

N-nice to meet you.

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

...

...

? ... Victor! Victor!

! …!

...don’t you like the song? You don’t have to hang around here in a sulk even if you don’t like the song.

Oh, I-I really like it–

I’ve heard a lot of Christmas songs before, but none of them belongs to me.

I mean, Christmas day is also...my birthday.

Happy birthday, Victor! You get two wishes from a single song. Isn’t that something?

Thank you. No one has ever given me a present for my birthday or Christmas since I left home. Not even a song.

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

...

...Victor? Victor! Victor!

? ...w-what’s wrong?

Do you listen to the violin often? What are your hobbies?

I don’t listen to much music. I mean, this song is great.

...but when I’m free, I often hang out with stray animals.

While they can’t talk, they are sincere and very–direct. (points at a scratch from a cat on the back of his hand)

However, I actually prefer letters.

Letters? That’s obvious, since you’re a Postman!

Yes, I deliver letters!

But I’ve never received a letter from friends, as I don’t have any...friends.

I often send letters to myself.

As if I’m talking to myself. It’s really fun! It’s just that… there are no secrets between the lines.

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

Hm… should I write a letter to myself?

“Victor… this Christmas night was so...special…”

What are you doing, Victor? You’re writing a letter to yourself? You’re an interesting fellow.

...what’s wrong?

What’s so special about letters? Isn’t letter writing a way of expression just like playing music and talking?

Because you only have to read a letter. You don’t have to say anything.

Not just me, sometimes people simply can’t say what they want to say face-to-face.

Only if it’s written down–that’s a letter! Only sealed letters hold true secrets.

You seem to think highly of your job as a Postman. You’re so talkative when you speak about letters.

That-that’s because...I-I’m the messenger of secrets.

Messenger! Protector! Owner!

Even if it’s just for a little while, I hold the secrets which can’t be expressed verbally in my hands.

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

(Woof! Woof! The dog happily runs around in circles) ...Wick likes this song, too.

Do you always have your pet with you? This pet dog is interesting.

It’s not a pet! It’s my most important companion.

...and the only one. (Pets the dog)

I’m sorry. It’s certainly a good companion. You two seem really close.

Wick’s previous owner...died in a fire.

I found Wick at the scene of the fire. It was horrible.

It was guarding the entrance to the room with a letter in its mouth. It kept on scratching the door.

As if its owner was still waiting for it behind the locked door...

Victor, you were not nervous or hesitant at all when you talked about this. Hah, I didn’t know you could speak so fluently.

! ...

...there are things which we can’t afford to be hesitant about.

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

...h-hello?

What’s up, Victor? Eh? It’s rare for you to initiate a conversation.

I want to thank you.

I never had any friends. I even thought about how great it would be if Wick could talk.

Is it possible...

Can...we...friends...

Can we be friends?

Of course. No way, I don’t make friends with just anyone.

Really? You sure?

I’m just...really grateful for your performance!

(“Woof–!” The dog also wags its tail in delight.)

Thank you for your hard work. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas, Postman Victor and Post Dog Wick.

! ...merry Christmas… I wish that all of us would make more friends who are sincere.

Present, a small present. (Gives out Christmas bells)

Thank you. This is really meaningful. A string of bells?

These are Postman bells custom made by our post office for Christmas!

Ring ring ring. I wish you many visitors in the coming year!


Violetta (Anticipation Tune)[]

Initial Meeting[]

Hmm, this music is as good as the sound of a broken piece of cloth being torn open.

(Looks around) Why don't you show yourself and listen with us, if you don't mind? Your simile is quite "bizarre". Why don't you join us?

Are you inviting me to join you?

Are you really inviting me to join you?!

We welcome anyone who would like to stay. Clearly, a block party like this is desperate for an audience.
I don't show myself easily.

But since you invited me——

(A huge shadow slides down) Hello, I'm Violetta.

I've actually been observing you behind the wall for quite a while.

That was quite an entrance! You're... Exquisite.

Violetta (regardless of option chosen): (Spreads her body) What? Don't you think I'm beautiful?

I hope you're not as foolish as those biased folks.

You should at least be courteous and respectful to an invited guest.

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

(Keeps on weaving) Ka-da ka-da...

Miss Violetta? Are you...weaving? What a [sic] curious accompaniment.

I realized that the violin’s rhythm and the pace of weaving are quite similar.

The bow is a horizontal thread and the violin’s strings are vertical threads. One’s fingers then strum the horizontal thread while the vertical threads are plucked.

I’ll only have to strum like this–

(A screeching sound emits)

(Stops strumming) Do you like that?

...very interesting. You know so much about weaving. Your skills on [sic] weaving performance are truly...out of this world!

(Flips her hands back and forth) Thank you for your kind words.

I used to spend every Christmas Eve weaving by myself.

But I’m no longer alone tonight.

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

Miss Violetta, the threads you weaved are piling up... Violetta, what exactly are you trying to weave?

I want to make a piece of clothing. Ka-da, ka-da...

A piece of clothing for myself!

(Picks up a child-size top) Look, it’s not done… but the size is just right.

(Measures it up against her) This won’t fit you though? Is this...a souvenir for your childhood?

This is for me! In the past and right now!

(Spreads her claws) This is my body, but this isn’t the real me.

I used to perform on a special stage with a huge audience.

Whether it’s a long robe or a tiny dress...

None of them fits me.

But I believe–no, I know they were gifts of passion and sincerity!

Even if it’s pity–

Contrary to your appearance, you have a kind heart, Miss Violetta. Are you naive? Or is that kindness?

Kindness? I don’t need kindness. I just need something to keep me warm in winter.

(Spreads out the child-size top) But I know full well that no matter how hard weave, whether the clothing is big or small, I won’t be able to weave it.

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

While there wasn’t a violin during my performance in the past,

we had a trumpet, military drums, and a gong...

Did you learn to play all these instruments? Can you play a song with the many “hands” you have?

No, I was only observing and listening.

Mr. Max thought none of the instruments was suitable for my body.

Or perhaps he thought the audience wouldn’t want the music to be tainted by my deformed limbs.

He would only let me practice jumping and weaving...

“It’ll be worth watching as long as Violetta performs ordinary actions in a ridiculous way.”

It’s too cruel to ridicule the disabled. Those attention-seeking performances are just cheap.

When I ran out of tricks, he made me lie on a ball and flip around like a clown.

–it was more like two balls rolling around.

The other performers were jealous of me for getting the audience’s laughter and cheers with those “simple” and “clumsy” performances.

(Folds up her claws) But they didn’t know I was actually jealous of them constantly.

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

(Raises the top) It’s done! ...I wouldn’t have been able to add in the special rhythm to my weaving if it wasn’t for this violin piece.

–next (cuts up the top with her claws)

Miss Violetta, you’ve just finished weaving. Why did you– Even if you can’t wear it, you don’t have to destroy it.

I weaved a top as a gift for myself.

But a top that doesn’t fit is simply a terrible gift.

–I’d always receive a terrible gift every Christmas.

There’s only one, and it’s terrible. Why bother keeping it.

You...wanted someone to care. Gifts aren’t really what you wanted, right?

I wanted some warmth. Even if I have to pay for it–

After I left the circus, I weaved many clothes for friends whom I didn’t know well.

But they all ran away screaming when they saw me.

The sun is too far, while the flames are too fierce...

All I can reach for now are leaky tarps and these cold claws.

No, there has to be someone you can reach. Even if all the people you’ve met so far were jerks, you should give other people a chance.

Even if I look like this?

Who will reach out to me?

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

What is that in your hands?

This looks familiar...

I tied up the piece of the top you cut up and made a bandage. At least... The top didn’t fit, but at least this strip–

(Picks up the bandage) At least it can wrap around my claw!

Is this really for me?

(Wraps the bandage tightly around her claw) I finally got a gift!

(Climbs the wall and disappears into the shadow) No one has ever...

Merry Christmas, Miss Violetta! It’s just a strip of cloth, you don’t have to be so excited–

(Reappears on the wall) Merry Christmas, my friends!

Hold on! Hold on, I can still...

(Tears a strip of cloth from her claws) Just give me a minute–with the thread I made...

(A scarf drifts down from the wall)

(Hides in the shadow) Thank you. This is my gift to you.


Kevin (Nostalgia Tune)[]

Initial meeting[]

 I wasn't expecting a street performance on Christmas Eve. What a pleasure!
Hello, and you are...? This distinct costume is-
A vagabond, a wandering Cowboy.
I never thought I'd see a Cowboy outside of a farm. Hah, yet another homeless vagabond.
We all have two legs and a mouth. There's nothing special about me.
Don't you want more spectators?

A person who left their home is a vagabond, but a cowboy who has left the farm is still a cowboy.

Oh, right, just call me Kevin.

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

Yet another cold night on the street, yet another winter...

Even when there are songs playing, I don’t like winter.

Why’s that? Winter brings with it Christmas, a warm fireplace, fluffy blankets... I don’t like winter either. It’s too cold, isn’t it?

The farm at which I was born was remote. Despite my parents’ hard work, cold winters made it difficult for business.

Whenever the temperature dropped, many calves and lambs froze to death in the barn.

That’s indeed a difficult life. Looks like days at the farm aren’t as leisurely and romantic as they seem.

Romantic? There was something that’s actually quite romantic–

When I was young, my parents always sent me to the barn in winter to clean the sheds for the hungry, cold, and agitated animals.

This one time, I stepped on an ox’s tail and it kicked me right out of the barn! Hahahaha...

...how romantic. I don’t see how a cowboy getting kicked by an ox is romantic.

Oh, that’s the first time I met her.

That adorable and smart girl saved me.

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

Kevin? Did you like the song? That lazy cowboy–

...what’s up? I was just enjoying myself with this song.

You mentioned a girl last time. Tell me about the “adorable and smart” girl?

She was really cute and short then. Even though it’s winter, she was only wearing a leather vest. There was even a layer of snow on the outer layer of leather.

She had a feather on her head… I forgot which eagle’s feather it was.

She seemed to have mentioned that… but I could never find her.

She doesn’t seem like an ordinary lady. Hah, this “lady” was special.

Her? A well-mannered lady? Hahaha… She’s an Indian[1] girl with personality!

She was lost in the storm when we met, and I set off for a new journey because of her.

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

This song reminds me of another piece of music.

Just as good? Oh, you’ve listened to something better?

No, even though the musicians I praised didn’t have elegant string instruments,

they could play unique pieces of music with drums, tambourines, recorders, and panpipes.

That sounds really interesting. I thought cowboys only play popular songs with a harmonica.

They play Indian music.

Music filled with a sense of nature and life.

But I was just a hurried passerby. Before I had any chance to know their musical instruments, the songs they hummed, and their faithful dance moves...

I just left in a hurry.

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

Have you thought about hiding?

Why do you ask? Even if this musician’s temper is odd, the song isn’t that bad right?

Even if no one’s playing the Ode to Joy at Christmas, the music here has a sense of reunion still.

So are you wondering because you’re hiding from your family and friends? Sometimes the farther you run, the more futile it is.

...

...

There are always things you can’t evade.

Blood ties, favors owed, hatred, misunderstandings...

Kevin, you’ve got to be the most sentimental cowboy I’ve met. I didn’t think cowboys are [sic] supposed to be sentimental.

Are you kidding? I’m clearly the only cowboy you know.

...thanks for not asking more difficult questions to embarrass me.

I hope I’ll be able to let go as I always did, so as not to bring shame to my family.

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

(Comes out from the bar) Hey, why are you still here?

You’re just in time. Look what I found?

Is this a pair of gingerbread men? Gingerbread men? You’re still young at heart.

(Tipsy) When I was young, my parents would always give me a gingerbread man at Christmas.

At Christmas that year, they prepared a pair of gingerbread men.

One of them was an adorable girl, and the other...a flustered boy.

Were they gifts for you and that Indian girl? What a “precious” Christmas present.

Perhaps they were blinded by greed, perhaps they didn’t mean to inform against her.

But at that moment on that day at least, they must have considered her their own daughter.

While her parents and family really trusted me as if I had a blood tie with their clan.

Kevin, I’m not sure I follow... ...your story is too complicated.

That simple and remote farm was my home which I would never forget.

The area around that tent, and the clan which longed for my return.

(A gingerbread man is being tossed in)

A crazed ox was lassoed, and a wild wolf was expelled from the clan...

But they’ll never forget their home.

Patricia (Nostalgia Tune)[]

Initial Meeting[]

What kind of indecisive and compelling music is this?!

Isn't this cold winter night bleak enough as it is?

...? I'm sorry if you don't like it. Don't you think this song can dispel the coldness?

I don't like this atmosphere! I don't like this street, nor this coldness-

(Sigh)... But what can you do?

Miserable lady... if you're not sure where you should go to feel better, why don't you stay for a while? You have no place to be anyway; why don't you stay here for a while?
I'm no "miserable lady". I'm Patricia.
I'm not someone with no place to be. I'm Patricia.
(Stops) I... Don't like Christmas.

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

Hmph... The sound of decadence!

I'll admit that its tone and rhythm are pleasing to the ear, but this piece of music has no soul.

Soul? This is just a street performance of a song to cheer people up... I've never listened to any music with a soul!
Cheer people up? How shallow!

With no soul, there's no fear. It's merely self-pleasing music for mortals——isn't it that the sound of decadence?

Music that is worth praising should be a ceremony in which we pray and communicate with deities.

... Are you merely trying to fulfill your own wish on this day?

I also wish to reunite with my family and friends on Christmas Eve and immerse myself in the warmth of my family. I also wish to fulfill my family's wishes, those of my father, mother, and siblings... That's the warmth of family.

The warmth of family——I don't have a family, nor any warmth.

There is a place I can call my hometown. It was always warm there...

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

What's going on? Haven't you given up "promoting" this music?

Sometimes it's good to be relaxed when listening to music. What's wrong with listening to music and relaxing?|-
So long as Papa Legba refuses to respond to me, I can't lower my standards to myself!

I must find some new tobacco, prepare a new ceremony, find a truly worthy soul, practice my spells...

Patricia, it's easy to break a string that has been stretched too tightly. If you have so much to do, why do you have time for a walk here?
There is a lot more to do...

...I’m just a bit lost, a bit tired...

Just...

...

Yes, I want a break.

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

This instrument… it’s the violin, right?

Yes, the violin. It has a big brother called the cello.

I’ve heard about the violin from those smug folks before.

Ah… so this is the violin.

It doesn’t sound as annoyingly haughty as I thought.

Have you finally calmed down to listen? You don’t seem to know how to appreciate music. Okay, take this tone for example–
Appreciate? No, the violin reminds me of another instrument–the “banjo.”

Mother Mary once mentioned that it was a very popular instrument in my hometown.

However, it was branded with prejudice and bias overseas.

Who can remain the same once they’ve left their hometown?

Then you should go back and check out your hometown. Do you think your hometown won’t recognize you if you go back now?

I went back once, but it was filled with a different type of irrefutable discrimination.

I wasn’t welcomed in the place where I was born, nor the place where I grew up.

I’m stranded here, listening to foreign music and leading a rootless life.

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

(Talks to herself) I’m feeling much better now. Is it because of the violin music?

No… not simply because of the violin music, but the fact that you were listening with me.

At this moment, right here, there is no discrimination or prejudice between us–

–up until now, we’re strangers who don’t know each other.

“Strangers” isn’t such a bad word in this case. Hm, this is really comforting.

Never ask about the past nor the future. This has got to be the easiest type of relationship.

We can’t choose where we were born or to whom we’re related.

We can’t choose the way we meet people or bid them farewell.

But at least–

But at least you can choose how you get along with people. But at least you can choose to spend Christmas with a stranger.

Be it strangers, Christmas Eve or the violin music–

I want to choose how I deal with everything.

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

If it weren’t so cold, this has been a good day.

It wouldn't even snow in my hometown.

There were some stubborn old men who wouldn’t believe there’s snow in this world!

...hold on.

I think I’ve got another reason to go back to my hometown.

Haha, are you going to bring snow to them? Are you taking the snow across the sea?

I’ll tell them the things I’ve seen and heard in this world.

So that they’ll know that there are even more prejudices, biases, and disagreements outside of my hometown...

But that the world is also vast and brilliant...with different temperatures.

(Retrieves a snowflake wood carving) –in our own way.

A wood carving? Did you carve the snowflake yourself? A snowflake wood carving? You’re really creative, Patricia.

Wood carvings have a special meaning in my hometown. They contain the clan members’ emotions about all the things in this world.

We believe that one won’t be able to create wood carving with a soul unless they have first-hand experiences.

(Shoves the wood carving to you) Take it! You’ve convinced me about the violin’s music.

I must then make you feel the respect of a soul.

Merry Christmas! Thank you for your gift, Patricia. Thank you. This is such a “soulful” gift!

Ugh, hmm. Merry...Christmas.

Melly (Individuality Tune)[]

Initial Meeting[]

 What an awesome performance!

It's elegant and animated just like bees dancing in bushes of flowers.

Nice to meet you——eh? What exquisite headgear. Shouldn't you be at a masquerade rather than a street performance?
(Points at her gauze hat) You mean this?
It's a type of, hmm—— "precaution".
"Precaution" against what? It's such a quiet Christmas Eve. Cautious lady, what are you worried about here?
Getting hurt? Prejudices? Embarrassment? ...Everything which I can't face or am not willing to face.
But it's worth the adventure to hear this song over here.

I'm Melly Plinius. Nice to meet you.

Friendship Dialogue 1[]

(Listens to the music intently while swaying her gauze hat)

Miss Melly, won’t your gauze hat affect your listening experience? Miss, can you really hear the music...wearing that?

It won’t. Also–

I have my unique way of filtering sounds which I don’t like.

(A buzzing comes about) With these–

Are those...bees? Bees! Bees! Bees!

Yes, these adorable creatures.

They obey my commands and would never hurt me.

They gave me freedom and a direction in life.

And I’m–

...a conductor of an orchestra? –a general with a helmet?

–a strict entomologist.

Observation, research, experiment… Taming a swarm of bees isn’t as romantic as you imagined, but it’s what I’m good at and what I relish.

Ah… these little guys don’t like the cold weather.

They’re heading back. They’ll wait for me to spend Christmas together.

Friendship Dialogue 2[]

I’m sorry, I have… I have to go.

I’m...still not used to staying at a loud and foreign place for too long.

Miss Melly, you seem to have...become another person–is something wrong? You were just singing praises about these songs!

It’s probably because...I’m used to isolating myself. I have a professional habit of “keeping distance.”

Just like how I get along with the swarms of bees. If I don’t keep my distance and get my timing wrong, I will get hurt.

But it’s different when it comes to getting along with people. You can’t compare these stinging creatures with people.

Of course they’re different. ...more complicated, more difficult to grasp.

The dilemmas created are more critical, and the pain that’s left behind more serious.

Miss Melly, spending time with people doesn’t necessarily mean it’s painful. Buzzzz–then I’ll communicate with you in bees’ language. Buzzzz–buzzzz–

Your positivity is rare.

...thank you for your kind words.

I suppose–I can stay for a little while longer.

Friendship Dialogue 3[]

Hmmm… I think I found the flaw in this musical performance.

It’s unstable; the venue is temporary, the musician is brilliant, and the performance is ad hoc.

Even the audience comprises of random passerby.

What’s wrong with all that? I consider all that surprising and unexpected–

It doesn’t have a pattern. People get anxious when they have to face something without a pattern.

When will the good become bad? When will the bad end, and when will it reoccur?

What should one do to gain the benefits while evading harm?

Miss Melly, you shouldn’t worry so much on Christmas Eve. Cautious lady, negativity won’t make things better.

I know I should pray for a beautiful future on Christmas Eve.

But more importantly, I should remind myself to treasure what I have, be grateful for them, and celebrate them.

All I want is a stable life. Take control as much as I can before things get out of hand...

If this tender performance could go on forever–

Friendship Dialogue 4[]

(A bee flies out)

Miss Melly! A bee! A bee! The bees are out again!

(Guides the bee back) Don’t worry, it's just one.

Perhaps it was attracted by the violin’s sound.

I’ve tried many ways of communicating with bees, and music is one of them.

But don’t you think that bee is unique? For it is the only bee who flew out? Was it the only one who knows music?

The individual behavior of each bee make [sic] up the behavior pattern of a group. But sometimes, the group’s tendencies will also be shown on an individual.

Perhaps this bee was moved by the music.

Or perhaps the entire swarm of bees is looking for some...some changes, and it was just the start–

...

...even the swarms of bees that have been trained are all seeking for changes.

Will what I care about ultimate [sic] become something foreign to me?

Then how can I...

Friendship Dialogue 5[]

Actually, I have a gift.

(Retrieves a Christmas hat)

Let me guess… this must be for someone you care deeply about. A hat? Is this for someone dressing up as Santa?

(Nods) ...

But this is a gift that can’t be delivered.

He’s gone.

From the moment he left, everything changed.

But I am still lingering in the past.

I’m not sure if I miss the old him or the way I was when I used to spend time with him.

Why don’t you have the hat as a gift? It’s never too late for a new beginning. Then once you forget about him, you can also get rid of the gauze hat for a change!

(Points at her gauze hat). No, I have this.

Before I come to terms with a quiet and stable new life, I can’t get rid of it fully at ease.

(Hands out the Christmas hat) Here… for you!

Thank you for your company. And thank you for bringing a little adventure to the bees. Merry Christmas!

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