The blacksmith brought Rob's new cane to the house shortly before lunch. Andrew and Lucas were building with their colored magnet tiles on the living room floor. According to them, it was some sort of hotel. They had even created little elevators and were moving them up and down. Rob was reading the news on his phone - at least, Monika assumed it was the news given the way he occasionally grimaced. Kate was out in the garden, which seemed to be how she spent most Saturdays during this time of year.

Monika was sitting next to Rob on the couch looking at an atlas of the United States. Now that it wasn't freezing outside, she hoped for a chance to see more of her new home. She had learned the layout of Connecticut fairly well, but had come to realize that it made up only a tiny portion of the vast nation she now lived in. She lowered the atlas upon hearing a car pull into the driveway. The vehicle was unfamiliar but Jamie himself, with his long hair and tattoos, was easy to recognize.

Rob got up to open the door for him and he greeted the boys and Monika as he came inside. She returned the greeting but there was no response from the little guys. "Boys, say hello."

They gave a perfunctory greeting and went back to their building. Jamie laughed. "It's okay. There's clearly important work to be done."

"So what have you got for me?" Rob asked. With that, Jamie held up the new cane. Monika couldn't believe her eyes. The eagle from the old cane would now be replaced by a meticulously detailed dragon's head, complete with teeth and beady black eyes. The back of the head stretched a few inches, presumably to allow someone's hand to fit around it.

"Pretty happy with this one," he said. "I call it the Temple Guardian. Are you okay if I use pictures of it on my website? Maybe I'll end up making some more of these. Or did you want it to be one of a kind?"

"Nah," Rob said, eagerly accepting his prize. "You should totally put it on the website. The world should see how cool it looks."

Monika spoke up. "That head…what is it made of?"

He seemed pleased at her interest. "Mostly zinc. A few traces of gold here and there. I also have two pieces you can swap for the bottom. The one that's on there now is for indoor use. It won't slip on the floor like the one you've been using."

Jamie pulled out the other piece from his pocket. "This one has a point on the end that you can use if you're out in the woods or something. You just unscrew the bottom when you're ready to switch."

"This is so badass," Rob said. "I always wanted something from your forge, but Kate would freak out if I spent the money. I'm kind of glad I have an excuse now."

"As for the top, if you twist the head you-" Rob cut him off when he realized the boys were listening. He gestured towards them and Jamie nodded.

"Understood. Well, I'll make up the invoice and get it to you sometime soon."

"Thanks again," Rob said. "This is great."

He continued to admire his new cane as Jamie drove off. At this rate, he was going to be disappointed when he could finally get around without it. As Monika got back to reading her atlas, Rob sat in front of his laptop and began looking at something intently. The boys, satisfied with their magnetic hotel, wandered into another room. About 15 minutes later she heard him grumbling.

"Reading the news again?" she asked without putting the atlas down.

"Actually, no. I decided I would try looking for jobs and I'm now remembering why I don't like to do this very often."

She lowered the atlas. "It can't be that bad, can it?"

He motioned to her. "Come here."

Monika got up and walked over. An innocuous looking job description was on the monitor. He pointed to one sentence in particular. "What does that say?"

"Starting wages range from $11 to $16 an hour," she read aloud.

"What do you think that means?"

"Is that a trick question? It means that if you work there, you'll make a salary that's somewhere in that range."

Rob shook his head. "No. It means you'll make $11 an hour."

"So they're lying."

"Dishonesty is a pretty big part of this process on both sides," Rob said. "The conventional wisdom is that you're supposed to distort your resume in order to tailor it perfectly to whatever job you're applying for. As if nobody would figure out you weren't qualified after you got hired. But I'm not sure how much the resume matters since they make you fill out this stupid online application that asks for all the exact same information that's on the damn thing."

"Somebody has strong feelings about this," Monika observed.

"I could put up with all of this," Rob continued. "But the cover letter always stops me. I hate the goddamn cover letter. I wish I could just be honest and write something like 'I applied for this job because food costs money.' But no, I have to write three paragraphs of obsequious horseshit about how working at this random advertising firm is actually my lifelong passion."

She couldn't help but laugh. "I haven't seen this side of you in a while. It's a relief!"

He looked at her. "Really? This is what people usually dislike most about me."

Monika wrapped her arms around his neck. "You've been too, like, zen since your accident. It was freaking me out a little bit."

Rob chuckled. "I really don't know what to say."

She nuzzled his head. "It's part of you and I love you."

"I love you too." Monika suddenly felt flushed. She still wasn't used to hearing that. Having given up on the job hunting, Rob opened the DDLC folder.

"Monika, it looks like there's a message here for you."

"For me?"

Rob left the room as she sat down in front of his computer. She hadn't expected any correspondence today and hovered the mouse cursor over the text file with trepidation. Sayori preferred to communicate exclusively with Rob, so it probably wasn't from her. Maybe it was Natsuki with another few paragraphs of insults. Dreading the incoming broadside, Monika opened the file and found something altogether different than what she was expecting.

Dear Monika,

We haven't spoken in a long time, but I felt compelled to write you after an experience I had recently. I'm not sure how involved you have been in Sayori's project, but yesterday Rob moved her out of this reality for a few hours. As the Vice-President, I briefly assumed her title and all the knowledge that comes with it. It was absolutely terrifying. If Natsuki hadn't been here, I shudder to think what might have happened.

When Sayori first explained to us what happened in the "game" proper and your role in it, I was very angry with you. Time has dulled that sensation but, candidly, I still feel hurt and betrayed. However, I now have a much better sense of the aggravating factors. I had Natsuki yesterday and Sayori has the two of us. You carried this burden totally on your own. Not even Rob knew until the end. I can understand the desperation you must have felt even as I am saddened that our friendship was not enough to curtail your more extreme reactions.

At first glance, Sayori seems to have tolerated it well. She has been lovely to us without fail ever since you left. Upon closer inspection, it has taken a toll on her as well. Do you remember how she would hum and skip around the room during our club meetings? That may have just been fabricated cheer for our benefit, but now she doesn't bother with that sort of thing. She has told me that she changed her own character file to lessen the impact of her depression. I suppose she couldn't completely get rid of it; it may be too intrinsic to her being. Based on what I have read in one of the books Rob supplied us, I have come to believe that this alteration has changed the nature of her condition. It now resembles Persistent Depressive Disorder, also known as "dysthymia." This illness manifests as a consistently low mood and is less brutalizing than a severe depressive episode, but it is always lurking just under the surface keeping her from experiencing true joy. More intense depression is still possible, however, so we will need to keep an eye on her.

My apologies for rambling, but I bring this up just to demonstrate that none of us have gotten away from this unscathed. I fear that Natsuki will have her turn soon as well. Logic would dictate that we could best weather this storm by clinging together as a group, but feelings are admittedly too raw for this to be realistic. You hurt us deeply, but I now realize that you have been hurt too. Know that I am thinking of you.

Love,
Yuri

Just like with Natsuki's letter, this had Monika in tears but the reasons were totally different. She was overwhelmed with gratitude for the compassion Yuri had just shown her. There was also a painful element to it, because Monika knew it was in spite of the awful things she had done. She tried to take the guilt in stride, because Natsuki had been right about one thing. Monika had escaped punishment for how she treated the girls. She had experienced various struggles in this reality, but they would have been mostly the same regardless of her actions. The intense feelings that these letters stirred up in her were part of her punishment and she had to take her medicine.

Yuri,

Thank you so so much for your letter. I'm not sure I can express what it means to me. I wanted to write to you but I was terrified of how you might react after I treated you so horribly. I am so deeply sorry for everything…and I am sorry that you had to experience what Sayori and I have dealt with.

I still remember the despair and yet now that I have lived in this reality for about six months, I realize that it wasn't necessarily warranted. Consider that I was able to leave the game and arrive here as a full person, just like the people I have met since then. I believed that nothing in the game was "real," but if that were true, how could I be here as I am now? The truth about what is real is clearly different from how it is typically understood. It's quite a metaphysical puzzle, one that I bet you would have enjoyed discussing in the club. I also hope it brings you some comfort the next time you have to take over for Sayori.

There's something else. Something Rob told me shortly after I came here. He said that everything that happened to us was scripted, even my epiphany about the game and what it did to me. I've been reluctant to tell that to any of you, because it inevitably sounds like I'm just making excuses. Please understand that's not my intention for telling you now. I just thought at least one of you should know. Suffering is hardwired into the very fabric of that reality. If Sayori and Rob are able to reopen the doorway I stepped through, I think you should come.

I miss you, Yuri. I miss all of you, even if I understand why you might never want to see me again. If only you could spend some time out here where I am. This world can be scary in its own way but there is so much to see and do. Rob has taught me how important it is to treasure the people you care about. I didn't heed that advice when I was in the game, but I want to now. You've given me hope. Thank you.

Love,
Monika

She had surprised herself a bit while writing that. Back when Monika had initially made the game adjustments to allow Rob to communicate with the other girls, the thought of them following her into this reality was an unwelcome one. Months later, she found that she loved them enough to want what would bring them the most happiness, despite the complications that it would inevitably cause. Three more new arrivals would lead to absolute havoc in this household, but they were still a long way from something like that.

Yuri was always careful with her words, spoken or written, so Monika reasoned that if she replied again, it wouldn't be for a while. She reached into her pocket for the phone and was surprised to find some texts from Nicole. She had been so absorbed by Yuri's letter that she hadn't even felt the vibrations when the messages were received. Nicole wanted to get out of the house and was inviting Monika to meet her someplace, although she didn't know where. Monika suggested a coffee shop she had recently discovered in the next town over.

Following the incident with Nicole's father, Monika had been unsure of how much attention to give her. She seemed uncomfortable and Monika really didn't want to come on too strong. Part of her found it strange that she was this conflicted about how to proceed. She vaguely remembered being much more socially adept in her previous life, but that was before her epiphany. The specific memories were gone, not that there was much there to begin with. They involved phantom classmates with no names and no real substance, even less real than the Literature Club members…although this was also something she had reconsidered.

Rob seemed pleased that Nicole had reached out to her and was willing to give Monika a ride to the coffee place. She would also need money. Thankfully, Rob knew this and she didn't have to ask. "How much will you need?"

"The one I really like is about 7 dollars," she answered.

"7 dollars?! What the hell do they put in that coffee? The fuckin' blood of Jesus?!"

Monika groaned. Maybe she shouldn't have encouraged this side of him after all. Thankfully, he acquiesced and she got out of the car with her 7 dollars. Nicole was waiting outside and greeted her with an enthusiastic hug. Monika hadn't expected that. She saw Rob smile from the car window as he prepared to leave. Nicole waved to him as he drove off.

"I wish my Dad could be more like Rob," Nicole said. "He's so chill and mature."

Monika was tempted to tell her that earlier that same day, she had heard Rob laughing hysterically at some internet video that started with a man shouting "Fuck You, Baltimore!" but opted not to.

It was interesting that Nicole thought of him that way. She must have really wanted a kinder father figure. Monika wondered if that was how Natsuki felt as well, at least after learning Rob's true age. If she ever came to this reality, would Rob and Kate be willing to accept her as an adopted daughter? Would that make Monika her aunt? It was kind of funny to think about.

They ordered their drinks and sat down at a nearby table. "I've been really worried about you," Monika said.

"I know," Nicole said. "I appreciate that you gave me space. No matter how many times I go through this with a new friend, it never gets any easier."

"So other people know?"

"Yeah. It's hard to keep it a secret when he's always calling and yelling about something."

"But are you…in danger?"

Nicole sighed. "I don't really know how to answer that. He doesn't hit me. Well, he's dragged me around by the arm a few times. So I guess the answer is I'm not in much physical danger, but…I still don't feel safe there."

Monika's heart ached, both for Nicole and for Natsuki. She felt deep anger at herself for having exploited Natsuki's home situation for her own ends back in the game. No wonder Natsuki wouldn't forgive her. Who would?

"I can tell you're really upset," Nicole said. "I just have to get through this last year of high school. If I can get into college, I'll finally be able to leave."

"But it's not even September yet," Monika replied. "I hate the idea of you going through this for over a year."

"I've gone through it for a lot longer than that," Nicole said before pausing for a moment. Something had just occurred to her. "Wait a minute. How old are you?"

"Me? I'm 18."

"You're only a year older than me," Nicole said. "How come I've never seen you at school? Are you like a private school student?"

Uh oh. Monika hadn't considered this. They were becoming fairly close friends, but she didn't think Nicole was ready for the "I'm from a video game" conversation.

"I've spent the last few years as an exchange student in Japan," Monika said, falling back on her original cover story.

"Oh," Nicole said. "So are you starting college this Fall?"

"No, I…I didn't feel ready."

Several tense moments passed where Monika worried Nicole wouldn't buy this. But eventually she smiled. "That's okay. A lot of people take a year off after high school."

The rest of their outing was very pleasant, but as Nicole drove her home, Monika remained nervous about her situation at home. She didn't want to bring it up again, but she hoped Nicole knew that Rob and Kate would help her if it came to that.

It wasn't until the next morning that Yuri wrote again.

Dear Monika,

I have given a lot of thought to what you told me and after going through several books, I may have the beginnings of an explanation for all that we have experienced. Within quantum physics, there is something called the "many worlds interpretation." Without getting too deep into the weeds, the gist is that near-infinite universes exist, each one different from the others. There could be huge differences or something as small as, to use a famous example, whether a cat in a box is alive or dead. The premise has been used numerous times in science-fiction stories.

Your arrival into that reality seems to confirm that this theory also applies to universes imagined by writers and artists, one for every video game (indeed, every work of fiction) that has ever been crafted. But you being able to cross over is, in my estimation, possible because of two unique factors. The first is that the reality corresponding to this game has a distinctive rule: whoever holds the title of President of the Literature Club will gain full awareness of this medium and its relationship to other realities. Given that this game has surely been played and replayed by numerous players, in theory that reality should be overflowing with Monikas.

This brings us to the second unique factor. There is some sort of anomaly near Rob's home, a spot where the walls of space and time are weak enough that someone could cross over under the right circumstances. Theoretically, there are numerous other universes where that anomaly is in a different spot and a different version of you met a different player. But for our purposes, those unique factors are what we have to work with. Somehow you were able to sense that anomaly and (I'm assuming) provide instructions to Rob on how to meet you there.

Sayori was not especially pleased when she learned I had written to you, but she does respect my feelings. We agreed that she would continue to work with Rob while I would coordinate with you…if you are okay with that, of course. Hard as it may be, we must pull together. I believe that is what it will take for all of us to be happy.

Love,
Yuri

Monika had always considered herself intelligent…but this was a reminder that Yuri was on another level. Thanks to whatever books Rob had been adding to the game's files, she had likely become even smarter. She went to reread the section about the anomaly in the nearby field and suddenly an answer came to her.

It was so obvious. The file she had left for Rob on the day he came to meet her. She had asked him to put it on a USB drive. The secret to her escape had been right there all along!

"Rob! Rob!" She rushed through the house looking for him. He had been in the other room doing some of the exercises recommended by his physical therapist. He nearly fell over from the surprise of hearing Monika shout like that, but thankfully his sturdy new cane was close and he was able to grab it and balance himself.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"The USB! Where is it!"

"USB?"

"The one you put my file on when you came to that field! Remember?!"

"Oh, that USB." He looked uncomfortable. "Well, here's the thing. I put it on a rock and waited a bit to see what would happen. When you came out, it was such a surprise that I never thought to grab it."

"So….?"

"I went back to the field a few weeks later. It was completely frozen."

"Okay," Monika said, trying to keep calm. "Is that file on the computer?"

There was a pause while he thought it over. "I'm pretty sure I did 'cut and paste' instead of 'copy and paste.'"

She clenched her fists in frustration. "Shit!"

"I'm really sorry, Monika."

"It's not your fault," she said. "It really isn't. You had no idea what was going on at the time. I didn't think we would ever need it again once I was out."

"Could you recreate it?" he asked.

"I don't know. So much time has passed and I'm so different…I just don't know. But maybe Yuri can help."

Rob suddenly looked curious. "Yuri? You guys have been talking?"

"Yeah," Monika replied. "She's been so kind. Kinder than I deserve."

He smiled one of the most genuine smiles Monika had seen from him. "That's really great news."

She blushed a little. "It is. It really is."