Sayori was reluctant to admit this, but sometimes the days inside the game at her "Bachelorette Pad" could blend together. The other girls were safe and generally happy but at the same time, there wasn't necessarily much to look forward to. She had dispensed with the school routines of the original game, given that both Natsuki and Yuri struggled with the social dynamics of school for different reasons. The drawback was that there was no longer a feeling of progressing towards anything, just eternity inside their shelter, the new permanent headquarters of the Literature Club.

Today, that could start to change.

As she dried herself off from the shower and got dressed for the day, her personal tablet hovered in front of her. None of them actually needed showers since they couldn't really get dirty but there was still something comforting about the ritual and they had all kept doing it each morning. While fluffing her unruly hair with a towel, Sayori examined the folder that connected their world to Rob's world. As she expected, there was a note and some new images.

Good morning!

Are you ready for today? If it sounds like too much or if you think it will be too hard on the other girls, just let me know. We have plenty of time. Once you're moved, I'll wait about four hours and then move you back into the game's folder. That should be a good amount of time to get yourself accustomed to whatever is waiting for you out there.

I have also added scanned copies of Lucas's birth certificate and social security card so you have an idea of what these documents typically look like and the information we'll have to make up. We'll have to come up with parents and a last name for Monika, but that should be easy compared to the social security issue.

One big challenge is coming up with a plausible reason for how Monika got to be 18 years old without ever receiving a social security number. When my sons were born, they got their personal numbers literally the next day while we were still at the hospital. If only the rest of our government were that competent. So we know that she couldn't have been born at a hospital. We'll have to pretend her mother was one of those hippie chicks who gave birth at home in a bathtub surrounded by candles and whatever else. Maybe she was in some weird cult? Nah, that might be too dark.

I'll think about it some more. Let me know when you are ready to go. I won't be far from the computer.

Love,
Rob

She smiled. He was such a doll. Downstairs, Natsuki was working on breakfast while Yuri was sipping from her familiar tea. The little baker seemed to be feeling better today, which was a relief because Yuri would need her support. As Vice-President of the club, Yuri would inherit Sayori's full awareness of their reality while she was exploring the digital realm beyond the game. They had discussed it, but she knew Yuri had no idea the shock she was in for.

The time came for her departure and she stood by the door of the house. She really didn't need to do it this way, but she thought that it would be a little less frightening if she went through a door first instead of just immediately disappearing. The other girls stood in front of her looking uneasy.

She placed a hand on Natsuki's shoulder. "She's going to need a friend."

Natsuki nodded and Sayori moved on to Yuri, taking both of her hands in her own.

"No matter what you see, no matter what ideas end up going through your head, I want you to remember something. You are real. Your feelings are real. You matter."

"Understood," Yuri replied. She was putting on a strong front, but this had to be nerve-racking.

Sayori gently opened the door. "I'll be back in a few hours. I love you guys."

She shut it behind her and sent her final signal to Rob. About a minute later, the world around her vanished into a sea of colors and strange symbols. Sayori was flung into what would have been the sky back inside the game but was now some bizarre kaleidoscope of madness. Forget whether or not Yuri was ready. Was she ready? Just as she was about to scream into the whirling void, everything came to a drastic halt.

While she was catching her breath, she looked ahead and saw a gorgeous panorama of mountains and fields underneath a bright blue sky. It was easily the most stunning thing she had ever seen. For a moment, Sayori wondered if Rob had somehow managed to bring her directly into his world but then she realized the truth. It was a still image. A beautiful image, but not reality. She craned her neck to look behind her and saw only a black surface.

This was definitely outside the game, but now what? She wiggled her legs awkwardly and realized that walking wasn't going to work. Trying to swim didn't work any better and also made her feel ridiculous. There were objects in the distance that she couldn't make out from where she was, so she focused her attention on those and tried to move again. To her surprise, she began to float ahead. Unable to contain her giggles, she put both of her arms out in a cheesy superhero pose and moved rapidly towards the objects, which she now recognized as folders.

Sayori read all of their labels as she floated by, stopping at one called "Pictures." She couldn't resist this opportunity. Her reality had its own computers and she knew that you had to double click one of these folders to get inside. After thinking it over for a moment, she stuck out her finger and tapped the folder twice. It worked and the folder opened like a treasure chest, allowing access to the goodies within. She giggled again. This was the most fun she'd had in a while.

Inside, the pictures sprawled out like the world's biggest art gallery. The first ones she saw depicted more scenic landscapes, which were nice but not what she was looking for. There were a lot of two small boys who had to have been Rob's children, but she wanted to see him. Finally, there was one of him sitting outside what looked like an ice cream shop with the two kids on his lap.

He looked nothing like MC. Monika had said he was older but it was still a surprise to see the graying hair and beard. He had done his best to smile for the camera, but Sayori had done her fair share of fake smiling herself and could recognize it in other people. Would it have been as obvious if Monika hadn't mentioned his depression? She wasn't sure, but she would never judge him for that. This person, who she was seeing for the first time, had shown her unbelievable kindness. Sayori would never forget that. She reached out to touch the image, but there was no physical sensation to be had.

She was also curious about Rob's wife Kate, so she kept looking through the pictures. There was one with the whole family, but Sayori's attention was drawn to the tall brunette standing next to the couple. It was Monika…and yet it wasn't. Her ponytail and bangs were much shorter, but it was definitely her. The green eyes and genial smile were recognizable, but there was so much more definition to everything. Little subtleties and imperfections that would have been totally out of place back inside the game. Sayori began to wonder: how would she look if she ever got out?

At first, nothing seemed to be happening. Sayori left and the place was quiet. Natsuki gave a little shrug and walked towards the couch where she planned to read some of her manga. Right as she was about to sit down, Yuri let out an ear-piecing shriek that made Natsuki feel like the whole house was shaking.

She whirled around to see Yuri gripping her hair tightly with both hands, barely standing up on her long and wobbling legs. Even in their most heated arguments, Natsuki had never heard her friend yell so loudly. This was really bad. Yuri finally lost her balance and fell hard on the carpet. If that hurt her, it was nothing compared to whatever else was going on. She curled up in the fetal position and screamed again.

"Yuri!" Natsuki yelled as she ran over. "What's going on?! What do you see?!"

"N-Natsuki. I…I can't tell you."

"Why not?!"

"Because…it's too awful. I don't want to hurt you."

Well, that was actually really sweet but Sayori had told Natsuki to be there for Yuri and that was what she planned on doing.

"Okay fine, you don't have to tell me," Natsuki said, gripping one of Yuri's arms with both of her little hands. "But I'm here, I'm right here. What was it Sayori told you before she left? You're real. Your feelings are real. You matter."

"It's all a lie!" Yuri shouted. "It's a horrible lie! Aaaaagh!"

Natsuki felt increasingly frantic, trying to think of what Sayori would do in this situation. She finally laid down on the ground beside Yuri and wrapped both of her arms around her. Yuri's trembling lessened and the two of them were still on the ground. She wasn't sure how much time had passed - maybe twenty minutes, maybe an hour - but Yuri finally stood back up.

"I'm…I'm sorry for my outburst," she said. "It was just…it was just a shock."

Natsuki stood up too. "What happened?"

Yuri didn't say anything. She was quieter now but whatever she was dealing with was not over. Natsuki glanced around the house nervously and noticed that the light coming in through the windows seemed to be getting darker. The edges of the house looked blurry. If this got out of control, Sayori's efforts in shaping their reality might be undone. Before she could think on that any further, Yuri began walking away.

"Where are you going?" Natsuki asked. There was no answer.

She was headed towards the study where she spent a lot of quiet time with her books. Did she just want to read and try to forget about what was happening to her? That made sense, but then Natsuki gasped and realized why Yuri was going that way. Her whole knife collection was on display behind glass in that room. When Sayori had confronted her about the cutting habit, they had come to an agreement that Yuri could keep the knives as long as they were safe and secure. Yuri had used them a few times for various activities but Sayori had watched her like a hawk.

Natsuki knew she couldn't let this happen. Yuri had done so well in the past few months and the two of them had gotten so close. She ran in front of Yuri and stood still, holding her arms out in both directions. Yuri effortlessly walked around her. Natsuki rushed in front of her again and put both her hands on Yuri's stomach, trying to brace her legs against the floor. Yuri simply walked ahead, with Natsuki skidding slowly in her wake. It would have been comical under different circumstances.

Natsuki glanced over her shoulder and saw that the knife display was only a few steps away. She had to do something fast. The thought made her deeply uncomfortable, but she had to try.

"Yuri, stop!" she shouted. "Please stop! You're my best friend!"

That stopped Yuri in her tracks. She looked down at Natsuki's tear-stained face with an expression of pure disbelief.

"Let's go sit on the couch, okay?" Natsuki begged. "I'll make you some tea."

Yuri raised an eyebrow. "You're going to make tea?"

"What? You don't think I can do it? I am a baking legend, of course I can make tea!"

She led the still trembling Yuri back to the couch and then went into the kitchen. From the other room, she heard her mutter. "Poor Sayori. Poor Monika."

Natsuki wasn't in the mood to hear any sympathy for the former President but she would let it go this time. Hopefully she had seen Yuri prepare tea enough times to get all the details right. It was actually a pretty involved process, but before long Natsuki had a cup of steaming oolong tea ready for her friend.

Yuri took a sip almost immediately. Natsuki wasn't sure how she could drink that hot water so fast but she always did.

"You did well," Yuri said quietly.

"Of course!" Natsuki replied with a big grin. There were a few minutes of quiet as Yuri sat with her tea. Whatever was going on with the house appeared to have stopped.

"Natsuki," Yuri said. "You're my best friend too."

"I'm glad that got your attention," Natsuki said back. "My back up plan was to grab your boobs."

Yuri's face began to turn red as Natsuki laughed and made squeezing motions with both of her hands.

"Did you mean it?" Yuri asked. "Or was it just to try and get through to me?"

Natsuki felt self-conscious and turned away. "Of course I meant it," she said quietly.

They sat for a while after that without saying much. Yuri drank her tea and stared off into space, still clearly troubled but at least calm. At one point, she looked confused and looked around the room again. Something had changed but it wasn't clear what until the front door opened.

"I'm home!" Sayori called out cheerfully. "How did everything-"

She stopped mid-sentence when she saw the look on Yuri's face.

"It was horrible," Yuri said quietly. "If it hadn't been for Natsuki…"

Her voice trailed off and Sayori suddenly looked distraught. "I'm so sorry, Yuri. I've been selfish and let you go through that just because I wanted to explore."

It looked like Sayori might cry but Yuri shook her head. "No, Sayori. You're doing what needs to be done. We have to leave this place. I realize that now more than ever."

Sayori sat down on the coffee table in front of the couch, facing her two friends. Natsuki could tell she still felt heartbroken over what she had put Yuri through.

"Sayori," she spoke up. "The next time you leave, you should appoint me Vice-President. Yuri can have the title back when you get back. I'm not really looking for the extra work."

"You would do that?" Yuri asked. "Even after seeing how it affected me?"

Natsuki felt exposed by how Yuri was looking at her. She turned away but nodded her head. Suddenly, Yuri threw both of her arms around Natsuki and squeezed tightly.

"Agh, Yuri! Be careful of my ribs! I need those!"

Sayori beamed. "I'm so proud of you guys."

"Okay, that's it!" Natsuki said, extending one arm towards Sayori. "Group hug! Get over here, bitch!"

Sayori looked aghast. "Who are you calling bitch?!"

"I mean it in a loving way." Sayori still didn't seem pleased but she never turned down a hug. She wedged her way into the group while Natsuki took a moment to ponder all that had happened that day. She wasn't quite sure what the others experienced when taking on the title of Club President, but she knew there was some deeply upsetting truth about their world, something that led to a belief that they "weren't real." In the midst of the group hug, Natsuki couldn't fathom how their bond could not be real.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Sayori said, standing up. "When I got back, I saw that Rob had added some pictures for me to use to make you guys gifts!"

Nobody seemed all that excited at first, but then Sayori conjured a wooden appliance into the room that was as tall as she was. It looked like a wardrobe at first but when the doors opened, they revealed shelves inside and on the other side of each door. Everyone knew immediately what it was for.

"This came with a note," Sayori said. "'For my favorite manga-loving baker. Show off your collection with pride. Love, Rob.'"

Natsuki loved it but didn't want to look too excited. "Why does he have to be so thoughtful?" she grumbled.

"It's nice to be thoughtful," Sayori replied.

"He thinks if he does this, I won't remember how he's harboring Monika," Natsuki said with her arms crossed. "But as long as it's here, I guess I should go move my manga."

"I could make it all appear on the shelves if you want," Sayori said. "It would save you a little work."

"Don't you dare!"

"Huh?!"

"Sorry," Natsuki said sheepishly. "It's just that putting it all in myself is part of the experience."

"And now for Yuri!" Sayori said, waving her hand around far more theatrically than she probably needed to in order to conjure the gift. It was a huge tea set resting on a dark wood cart with wheels. There were all sorts of cups and saucers with intricate calligraphy etched onto the porcelain. "'For someone who is intelligent, passionate and kind. Someone who deserves all the best in life and more. Love, Rob.'"

Yuri could only manage a small smile. "Don't you like it?" Sayori asked.

"Of course," she replied. "It's wonderful. I just…I just need to lie down."

Sayori watched her slowly climb the stairs towards her room and felt intense guilt. She had pushed Yuri too far today, even if she was trying not to show it. Natsuki looked perfectly content organizing and admiring her manga volumes, so Sayori didn't want to disturb her. There was only one other person she could turn to, someone she knew would listen to her.

Dear Rob,

I'm back safe and sound. It was amazing to explore today, but I feel awful about putting Yuri into that position. She was really devastated by the experience. I remember it well. I feel so bad even though she tries not to make me feel guilty…that almost makes it worse. You know what I mean?

I just want to do what's right for them. I've made this a peaceful place but there's no future here. There's nothing to really look forward to. They are my family - I want what is best for them the way you want what is best for yours. What do you think? Do you think we should keep pushing ahead with our project? Or should we put it on hold for the sake of the others? I would really value your opinion.

The gifts you left for them were super sweet. I'm sure that will help them bounce back from what happened today. Thank you for all your kindness.

Love always,
Sayori

Yuri eventually got hungry enough to leave her room and join the other two for dinner. Natsuki was cooking so that was always a good incentive. She went right back up afterwards. Natsuki also seemed worn out and once she was satisfied that her new manga rack was appropriately filled, she went to bed early as well. As Sayori got into her bed, she summoned her tablet and found the reply she knew would be there.

Dear Sayori,

I wish I had an easy answer for you, but it's not an easy situation. What we've been talking about is a huge life change and even if it is for the better, nothing like that ever comes easy. I was very happy to be a father, but the months leading up to the birth of my sons were really hard and stressful. But if we believe it to be the right thing, and it sounds like you do, it's worth the temporary hardship.

For right now, I'd suggest talking to Yuri and Natsuki as much as you can to get a sense of their feelings. If there is more either of us can do to prepare them for what happens when you leave, let's find out what that is. I could even move the three of you together if you think that would be better, although that could be even more overwhelming for them. There's no need to rush any of this but keep me posted on what you all decide. If you need anything, all you need to do is ask.

Love,
Rob

As she rested the tablet on her nightstand, Sayori reasoned that it shouldn't have come as a surprise that Rob was so much older than MC. Even though he had confided in her about his self-esteem struggles, it was clear that he was never trying to be anyone but himself. Was it wisdom that came with age? Had he tried to fit in when he was younger by hiding who he really was? Or was he always like this? Back when school was a part of this reality, it seemed like everyone had been struggling with that…and of course, she was more guilty than most. It all seemed so petty now…and it felt like a lifetime had passed since then. There was more to life than what was inside this game and she silently renewed her resolve to find it.