[ Preparations are in full swing right after breakfast - although still seemingly unstaffed, the kitchen is a flurry of activity and careless guests may find themselves bumped into if they venture too far into the actual cooking area.
It's safer outside, where guests are encouraged to help dress the maypole with fresh cut, leafy birch twigs and a variety of colourful, seasonal flowers - ox-eye daisies, woodland geraniums, cow parsley, buttercups and lupines. There's also a table and benches to carry out into the community center garden, lanterns to hang in the fruit trees and bottles and bottles of elderflower lemonade, beer and brännvin - midsommar isn't midsommar without snaps.
A little later in the afternoon, with the tables laden heavy with pickled herring, fresh potatoes, sour cream and chives, and Västerbotten cheese pie (and a few other less traditional but perhaps more palatable dishes), guests and residents alike sit down for the midsummer celebration. If anyone wants to partake in local customs such as the little frog dance, Ingvar is more than happy to provide the music. Of course, he's just as happy to teach a few drinking songs for those who want to partake in snaps. ]
Evening
[ As the sun begins to... well, not exactly set, but take a dip towards the horizon, the long table will be cleared for dessert - coffee or tea, strawberries and cream, with the option of an aperitif of your choice. The music will continue with traditional songs, that the residents are more than happy to try and teach the guests - or just sing poorly, as is tradition.
For those who are looking for something a bit more quiet and peaceful, Valborg is spending the evening talking about the magic properties of midsummers eve, the most magical of nights. It says that if you pick seven different types of flowers in complete silence and then sleep with them under your pillow, you'll dream of your future betrothed... ]
Night
[ Those who stay out late will quickly notice that the sun doesn't exactly set tonight. You don't need much light to guide your way back to the cabins. However, as you make your way through a wooded area, you might get the sensation that you're being... watched. Like there's someone following you in the shadows. Surely that's just your eyes playing tricks on you... right? ]
It is... very troubling for me, t-too. I suppose e-everyone isn't used to this day cycle.
[ It gives her a feeling of jet lag and it's uncomfortable. Still, it's not enough of a dealbreaker to convince her that going back to her difficult situation back home is a better idea.
She does a stuttered bow of her head. ]
Nice to... m-meet you too. [ ... ] Do you p-play in a band...?
Nope. I really depend on the sun going down at a reasonable time, or else I just kinda keep going. But that's just how different parts of the world are, I guess.
[The respectful but jerky motion from Hanako is almost cute to watch, but it makes her wary - not of the girl herself, but of what must have happened to bring her to that point. Something for her mental whiteboard of things to keep an eye on. She cheers right up when she's asked about Roselia, though.]
I do! My best friend is the vocalist, and then there are three more of us besides Yukina and I. We do a little rock, a little pop, the occasional cover Yukina thinks sounds good... She's got a lot of ambition. I'm just glad I can keep up with them, more or less.
[A glance sideways, with enough of a detached, mildly disheartened shift in posture that Hanako could probably notice even without looking directly at her; she clams up for a second, clearly thinking on something. After another second, she perks back up, smiling again.]
Let me know if you ever want to listen! I've got most of our songs on my phone. I'd play something for you, but I don't think I'd do any of it justice by myself.
We are on the far North of Europe... I s-suppose. The different climate shouldn't be bad for our health, a-and we may get used to it.
[ There would be no point coming in this alleged heaven if it was bad for their wellbeing, after all.
She listens to Lisa while her head is slightly turned away, eyes downcast as she slightly fiddles with the hem of her skirt. Being able to sing or play an instrument, and also keeping a band together... sounds like a faraway dream to Hanako, although she was never interested in that area. ]
I will give it a... thought. [ Loud music in general doesn't help her read books for sure. She likes quiet more. ] Are you, ah... a guitarist?
I guess if Roselia ever gets big enough, I'd... [Would it be her playing bass beside Yukina? No, it would be. It has to be. There's... there's a place for Lisa Imai in Roselia. Right? The thought makes her stumble again in the middle of the thought, and her recovery is less clean.] ...I'd have to get used to time being weird. So I may as well try to adapt, yeah.
Ah, I'm a bassist. Four strings instead of six, and it makes a lower sound. The bass tends to be a rhythm instrument - I help everyone else keep time and pitch, but you won't hear me sometimes. [Holding up her left hand, she wiggles her fingers; the tips are calloused and scarred.] Not that it keeps my hands from getting beat up like I did play guitar. But that's why I can't really do it justice - all the lead instruments would be missing.
[ If Hanako noticed the change in Lisa's speech, she's not showing it or pointing it out, merely nodding in agreement and letting the topic be. No one in all honestly would stay unused to the different climate for too long of a time unless they're sick. Hanako will get accustomed to it eventually - it's part of growing out from her status as a shut-in who's afraid of change.
The trivia about musical instruments was unexpected, but she takes note of it. She had been another one of those people who thought guitars and basses were all the same, not even bothering to pay attention to the number of strings or differences in sound. ]
Oh... [ A surprised hum at the sight of those fingers. ] How long have you... been playing? It looks like you've p-put a lot of work on it.
[Eh, she'd probably have made the mistake too... if it weren't for Yukina. It's understandable, at any rate. Thinking on when she learned, her expression slides into something warmer.]
I picked it up a long time ago! Yukina's dad was part of a band, so she picked it up from him. I started learning the bass to jam with her, when we were both, well, not little, but kinda young. And then... something happened, and I stopped playing for a while. Some time passed, and then Yukina says, "I'm starting a band, and we're going to be the best ever, and I need a bassist." Even when I wasn't playing, I was still right behind her, so of course I was in! I'm a little rusty after the time away from it, though. We've only been together as Roselia for a few months.
[-that's the sticking point, isn't it? A little of the cheer falls away at the question.]
No, I didn't mention it. I love them all to death, but I wanted to come alone, at least for now. They're part of why I wanted to come at all. I just... I've been pushing myself too hard, both for them and for other things. I have to step back for a minute. I...
[She's quiet for a second, before she lets herself open up a little further.]
If Yukina were here, I'd just let things go the same way as they do at home. Hours of practice, dedication to the craft, driving myself crazy because I know I'm not at their level. It'd be the same with the others, but with Yukina, I also... I can't tell her no. I've never been able to, and I've never wanted to. Maybe later, once I've had time to center myself again. But right now, I need time to myself.
-ah, sorry, that was kind of a lot to dump on you. Um, don't feel like you have to tell me anything like that, okay? I just couldn't stop once I got going.
She shakes her head, unwilling to blame Lisa for a question she asked, though the answer was quite sad to hear. ]
No, I am sorry for asking. It... It was p-personal and I shouldn't have.
[ Then, a pause as she turns her gaze down to her lap. Giving kind words or pieces of advice are not within things she deems herself capable to do, because she never takes credit for any of her alleged good acts.
She'll... say something, though? ]
I hope you find your s-space here and recover from the stress of your s-situation.
It wasn't even that personal, really - and I shouldn't have said it if I didn't want to talk about it, right? If you ask something too personal, you'll know, trust me. [She runs a hand through her hair, trying to school her expression back into something more pleasant. It needs discussing - and admitting to herself - but that doesn't mean she entirely likes it.]
Besides... I think talking about it will help me get my thoughts in order. I kind of have a blind spot around Yukina, so... Oh, hey! Maybe once I have my head on straight, I'll see if Olivia will let us all come and play a live here on the island. Then we can stay a while and take a break together. I could introduce you, I feel like you and Rinko would get along great.
[A beat.] You, ah, kinda remind me of her, if I'm being honest? It's part of why I said anything in the first place. She's kind of quiet but really passionate, and I was curious, I guess.
But... Thanks, really. I don't blame them either, I just don't want to give them anything less than my best. Yukina deserves that. And if I'm freaking out, they're not getting it.
[ It all feels like a one-sided conversation the more she listens to Lisa talk. Hanako is not as talkative or open about her own business, the most she can do is take every information and memorize it for reference. She understand Lisa's motivations and won't press furthermore, although her eyes shift towards the girl with an odd look when the comparisons between her and this Yukina person spring up. Or when she's being told she would get along with people at all. ]
... You've got your heart i-in the right place.
[ She supposes. Before their fallout, she used to try and look out for Lilly although her friend never really needed her support. Having no good opinion of herself, Hanako thinks she was merely a burden after all. She's broken beyond repair. Coming to Norrhamn was a last ditch effort to save what little faith in herself she has left, and even now she has no idea where to go from there, how she can make anything better.
Casting her eyes downwards once again, she mutters: ]
Take all the rest y-you need here... not only for your friends, but especially for yourself.
[Lisa smiles at Hanako, reassured more than she thought she would be by the soft comment, though she notes the weird look when she mentions the other girl being similar to Rinko.]
I hope so. I just need to believe in that.
[Rest... yeah, that's what she's here for, sure. What they're all here for. But maybe that's not all she's here for? It sticks in her head for some reason, and she'll think about it later. For now:]
Right. That's the idea, and I definitely want to make good on that. And, um... if it's not too much for me to say, I hope you can, too. All of us. None of us would have sent a letter if we didn't need the break, right?
[She hesitates, before shaking her head and looking back to Hanako again, smiling, though it's a little more tense of an expression. After a second, she opens her mouth to say something, before apparently thinking better of it and closing it almost audibly, looking aside. Several more seconds pass before she thinks to cover it with a sip of juice.]
[ Although she's not appreciative of people who fuss ove[ ]r her way too much, she can acknowledge the concern better when the other person speaks of it the way Lisa did. Bringing up the other guests, mentioning the fact Hanako is not the only broken one who needs to take a long time off. There is a comfortable sense of distance, as if she's being patted on the shoulder and not smothered in an unwanted hug.
She gives a nod. ]
Of course, I... I-I will give all I can to r-rest easier.
[ There's a bit of silence following, and she raises her eyes to peek at Lisa and see what she's doing. The girl looks a bit tense...? Hanako knows it's never her business to ask what's wrong, but she chooses to dip into the waters one-footed, ready to withdraw if she oversteps something. ]
[Oops, a little too transparent there. Well, not that it matters, but... She shakes her head, taking a deep breath and trying to will her unease away.]
Just... thinking of home, kind of. It comes with the friends I have that don't know how to take care of themselves, but I have a tendency to push people for how they're feeling. It's fine when I know them, but- man, I've never been good at trying to explain myself. [A hand runs through her long hair as she makes a small, frustrated sound.]
I keep wanting to ask if something's wrong, what's going on. But it's really not my place, especially not after all that. And it's kind of a hard habit to break. I just... I worry a lot about people. It's why I came to Norrhamn in the first place. So I'm trying really hard not to hover and I'm not sure it's working? I'm sorry, this must sound really dumb.
[Lisa's smile is a little wobbly, and she has the grace to look a little sheepish.]
[ The dots connect quickly, leaving Hanako with mixed feelings that mostly don't fall on the negative side for once. In Lisa she sees what she hoped Hisao and Lilly would have done before their fallout - thinking about their actions and seeing flaw in them before it was too late to fix it. Hanako should have told them before her resentment brewed further to the point of exploding, like it indeed happened. Everyone was at fault and she's now here in a strange yet cozy place because she's coping with the loss of the only two friends she ever had.
She stays muted for a little while, fumbling with her mind to determine what she should say. ]
... You are not hovering, or... anything of the like. If I had a p-problem with it, I would have spoken up. [ She joins her hands together, tangling her fingers loosely. ] I don't appreciate people who are... nosy and smother me with unwanted c-concern. I had a... t-terrible experience with them. The fact you're worrying over i-imposing on me actually makes me... glad.
[There's a long moment where she's expecting either a look of someone who thinks her crazy, or to be yelled at. Instead, Hanako seems to be okay with things? That does a lot to reassure her, and her smile turns warmer and a lot more natural.]
Thank you. I'm sorry to hear about the others, though. I don't want to be like that - I want people to be able to trust me, you know? So I'm glad I didn't overstep. It's early, but I'd like to think we could be friends. When you're ready, I mean, not. Not necessarily right now, but later! [A small laugh.] Oh, I feel silly like this... You said it was fine and I'm still overreacting.
Ah, are you doing all right for now? This is a pretty calm place, but anything can happen, right?
I am... fine with a s-... slower pace, to be honest.
[ Hanako is aware that she's making it a bigger deal than it is, but only having two genuine friends her whole life made the whole concept of friendship precious to her, and not something she can concede to anyone who is nice to her.
Her expression is stilted, like she wants to smile but her heart is putting up a barrier. ]
S-So far, I'm doing good... hoping things will keep being calm.
[ Except they won't, after the party, but that's spoiler. ]
[She's not gonna complain. Lisa is intricately aware she could be a very, very different person without her pillar. Who is not here, but she can deal for now. The look on Hanako's face is hard to read, but she's pretty sure it's not negative?]
Calm is good. I think Olivia has a pretty big interest in trying to keep it that way. I kind of wonder what she's got planned... Sure, we can find things to do ourselves, but I like things like this, too.
[Lisa has enough problems with the present, she couldn't handle the future too! Spoilers are dangerous.]
I can't... say that I trust her e-entirely, but that's just me. If staying here w-works as well as they s-said, I'm looking forward to whatever there is... in store.
[ At least, her stance is more relaxed than the start of their conversation. The perks of new bonds blooming. ]
Then that's all you can ask for, I think. It'll be a nice change of pace, at least. I have questions about this place, but not enough that I can't enjoy myself.
[Lisa stops, taking a drink again. She feels like she's been talking way too much... again. She can't help it!]
So I've gone on about myself for a while - what do you do when you get some free time?
There's a library here, right? I haven't looked in it yet... ooh, I wonder if- [She visibly cuts herself off, scowling.] No, bad Lisa, you are on vacation! [A deep breath.] No looking for music. Not yet.
Ah, it's probably nice and quiet in there, isn't it? I feel like most of us aren't big book people.
Well, that's something, then. I'm glad for you - it sounds like you're happy having that as a spot to unwind. And I will, just later. I'm pretty bad at this taking breaks thing sometimes, so I'm forcing myself, a little.
I might ask you to suggest something for me to read later, just so I have something else to do? If you wouldn't mind?
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[ It gives her a feeling of jet lag and it's uncomfortable. Still, it's not enough of a dealbreaker to convince her that going back to her difficult situation back home is a better idea.
She does a stuttered bow of her head. ]
Nice to... m-meet you too. [ ... ] Do you p-play in a band...?
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[The respectful but jerky motion from Hanako is almost cute to watch, but it makes her wary - not of the girl herself, but of what must have happened to bring her to that point. Something for her mental whiteboard of things to keep an eye on. She cheers right up when she's asked about Roselia, though.]
I do! My best friend is the vocalist, and then there are three more of us besides Yukina and I. We do a little rock, a little pop, the occasional cover Yukina thinks sounds good... She's got a lot of ambition. I'm just glad I can keep up with them, more or less.
[A glance sideways, with enough of a detached, mildly disheartened shift in posture that Hanako could probably notice even without looking directly at her; she clams up for a second, clearly thinking on something. After another second, she perks back up, smiling again.]
Let me know if you ever want to listen! I've got most of our songs on my phone. I'd play something for you, but I don't think I'd do any of it justice by myself.
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[ There would be no point coming in this alleged heaven if it was bad for their wellbeing, after all.
She listens to Lisa while her head is slightly turned away, eyes downcast as she slightly fiddles with the hem of her skirt. Being able to sing or play an instrument, and also keeping a band together... sounds like a faraway dream to Hanako, although she was never interested in that area. ]
I will give it a... thought. [ Loud music in general doesn't help her read books for sure. She likes quiet more. ] Are you, ah... a guitarist?
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Ah, I'm a bassist. Four strings instead of six, and it makes a lower sound. The bass tends to be a rhythm instrument - I help everyone else keep time and pitch, but you won't hear me sometimes. [Holding up her left hand, she wiggles her fingers; the tips are calloused and scarred.] Not that it keeps my hands from getting beat up like I did play guitar. But that's why I can't really do it justice - all the lead instruments would be missing.
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The trivia about musical instruments was unexpected, but she takes note of it. She had been another one of those people who thought guitars and basses were all the same, not even bothering to pay attention to the number of strings or differences in sound. ]
Oh... [ A surprised hum at the sight of those fingers. ] How long have you... been playing? It looks like you've p-put a lot of work on it.
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I picked it up a long time ago! Yukina's dad was part of a band, so she picked it up from him. I started learning the bass to jam with her, when we were both, well, not little, but kinda young. And then... something happened, and I stopped playing for a while. Some time passed, and then Yukina says, "I'm starting a band, and we're going to be the best ever, and I need a bassist." Even when I wasn't playing, I was still right behind her, so of course I was in! I'm a little rusty after the time away from it, though. We've only been together as Roselia for a few months.
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But that begs a question, and she asks pretty hesitantly: ]
Have you... spoken to your bandmates a-about this place? Maybe you could have c-come over together?
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No, I didn't mention it. I love them all to death, but I wanted to come alone, at least for now. They're part of why I wanted to come at all. I just... I've been pushing myself too hard, both for them and for other things. I have to step back for a minute. I...
[She's quiet for a second, before she lets herself open up a little further.]
If Yukina were here, I'd just let things go the same way as they do at home. Hours of practice, dedication to the craft, driving myself crazy because I know I'm not at their level. It'd be the same with the others, but with Yukina, I also... I can't tell her no. I've never been able to, and I've never wanted to. Maybe later, once I've had time to center myself again. But right now, I need time to myself.
-ah, sorry, that was kind of a lot to dump on you. Um, don't feel like you have to tell me anything like that, okay? I just couldn't stop once I got going.
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She shakes her head, unwilling to blame Lisa for a question she asked, though the answer was quite sad to hear. ]
No, I am sorry for asking. It... It was p-personal and I shouldn't have.
[ Then, a pause as she turns her gaze down to her lap. Giving kind words or pieces of advice are not within things she deems herself capable to do, because she never takes credit for any of her alleged good acts.
She'll... say something, though? ]
I hope you find your s-space here and recover from the stress of your s-situation.
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Besides... I think talking about it will help me get my thoughts in order. I kind of have a blind spot around Yukina, so... Oh, hey! Maybe once I have my head on straight, I'll see if Olivia will let us all come and play a live here on the island. Then we can stay a while and take a break together. I could introduce you, I feel like you and Rinko would get along great.
[A beat.] You, ah, kinda remind me of her, if I'm being honest? It's part of why I said anything in the first place. She's kind of quiet but really passionate, and I was curious, I guess.
But... Thanks, really. I don't blame them either, I just don't want to give them anything less than my best. Yukina deserves that. And if I'm freaking out, they're not getting it.
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... You've got your heart i-in the right place.
[ She supposes. Before their fallout, she used to try and look out for Lilly although her friend never really needed her support. Having no good opinion of herself, Hanako thinks she was merely a burden after all. She's broken beyond repair. Coming to Norrhamn was a last ditch effort to save what little faith in herself she has left, and even now she has no idea where to go from there, how she can make anything better.
Casting her eyes downwards once again, she mutters: ]
Take all the rest y-you need here... not only for your friends, but especially for yourself.
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I hope so. I just need to believe in that.
[Rest... yeah, that's what she's here for, sure. What they're all here for. But maybe that's not all she's here for? It sticks in her head for some reason, and she'll think about it later. For now:]
Right. That's the idea, and I definitely want to make good on that. And, um... if it's not too much for me to say, I hope you can, too. All of us. None of us would have sent a letter if we didn't need the break, right?
[She hesitates, before shaking her head and looking back to Hanako again, smiling, though it's a little more tense of an expression. After a second, she opens her mouth to say something, before apparently thinking better of it and closing it almost audibly, looking aside. Several more seconds pass before she thinks to cover it with a sip of juice.]
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She gives a nod. ]
Of course, I... I-I will give all I can to r-rest easier.
[ There's a bit of silence following, and she raises her eyes to peek at Lisa and see what she's doing. The girl looks a bit tense...? Hanako knows it's never her business to ask what's wrong, but she chooses to dip into the waters one-footed, ready to withdraw if she oversteps something. ]
Is there... something on your mind?
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Just... thinking of home, kind of. It comes with the friends I have that don't know how to take care of themselves, but I have a tendency to push people for how they're feeling. It's fine when I know them, but- man, I've never been good at trying to explain myself. [A hand runs through her long hair as she makes a small, frustrated sound.]
I keep wanting to ask if something's wrong, what's going on. But it's really not my place, especially not after all that. And it's kind of a hard habit to break. I just... I worry a lot about people. It's why I came to Norrhamn in the first place. So I'm trying really hard not to hover and I'm not sure it's working? I'm sorry, this must sound really dumb.
[Lisa's smile is a little wobbly, and she has the grace to look a little sheepish.]
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She stays muted for a little while, fumbling with her mind to determine what she should say. ]
... You are not hovering, or... anything of the like. If I had a p-problem with it, I would have spoken up. [ She joins her hands together, tangling her fingers loosely. ] I don't appreciate people who are... nosy and smother me with unwanted c-concern. I had a... t-terrible experience with them. The fact you're worrying over i-imposing on me actually makes me... glad.
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Thank you. I'm sorry to hear about the others, though. I don't want to be like that - I want people to be able to trust me, you know? So I'm glad I didn't overstep. It's early, but I'd like to think we could be friends. When you're ready, I mean, not. Not necessarily right now, but later! [A small laugh.] Oh, I feel silly like this... You said it was fine and I'm still overreacting.
Ah, are you doing all right for now? This is a pretty calm place, but anything can happen, right?
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[ Hanako is aware that she's making it a bigger deal than it is, but only having two genuine friends her whole life made the whole concept of friendship precious to her, and not something she can concede to anyone who is nice to her.
Her expression is stilted, like she wants to smile but her heart is putting up a barrier. ]
S-So far, I'm doing good... hoping things will keep being calm.
[ Except they won't, after the party, but that's spoiler. ]
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Calm is good. I think Olivia has a pretty big interest in trying to keep it that way. I kind of wonder what she's got planned... Sure, we can find things to do ourselves, but I like things like this, too.
[Lisa has enough problems with the present, she couldn't handle the future too! Spoilers are dangerous.]
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[ At least, her stance is more relaxed than the start of their conversation. The perks of new bonds blooming. ]
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[Lisa stops, taking a drink again. She feels like she's been talking way too much... again. She can't help it!]
So I've gone on about myself for a while - what do you do when you get some free time?
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I go to the library. Reading books i-is what I do most in my f-free time.
[ With no school or jobs occupying her time, she'd been piling up quite a bit of stories to read. ]
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Ah, it's probably nice and quiet in there, isn't it? I feel like most of us aren't big book people.
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[ She met Viola there and spent a quiet and decently good time with her. ]
You could s-still have a look sometime.
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I might ask you to suggest something for me to read later, just so I have something else to do? If you wouldn't mind?
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[ ... ]
Do you have a favourite g-genre? That would restrict the r-range of things I can recommend.
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