Chapter 7
To:
Episode Four (Part One)}
[If There Were a Time Scroll, I’d Love to Meet You All]
“They’re probably going to say I’m just filling space with this video,” I said, holding my position at the desk for what felt like ages.}
“No way,” Doris replied. “Your fans just want to see you, to know that you’re okay. That makes them happy.“}
I held up the photo in my hand. “I promised to sign ten thousand autographed photos for you guys. But it’s exhausting. I’ll sign as many as I can.“}
“If you’re tired, just stop. They’ll understand and care about you.“}]
“My agent mentioned that signed photos sell for a high price privately. So, I’m thinking of organizing a fair and square giveaway with the company. If you win, it’ll be mailed to you for free.”
Looking straight into the camera, I got serious. “Listen, you shouldn’t make money off a dead person. If I find out anyone’s reselling them, I swear I’ll haunt you.“}
“Being your fan is such a privilege.“>
“Well, maybe not always,” I mused. “There’s always so much drama surrounding me. My fans must be tired, always having to defend me. I tell them it’s okay, to let it be, but they never back down. Maybe now they can take a break.”}
Doris pondered for a moment. “Anything else you want to say to your fans?“}
I set down my pen and earnestly said:
“I want you guys to experience this beautiful world for me.”
“My work keeps me so busy I barely have time to explore or taste new things, and I hardly get the chance to meet you lovely people. I won’t delete my social media accounts. If you’d like, I’ll pin my farewell post, and you can comment on it. Tell me what you saw today, what you ate, which country you’re in, any meaningful things you did.“)
“And please, eat some spicy food for me. I love it.”
“I think I’ll be able to see it all from wherever I am, and it’s going to be fascinating.“}
“As for those who’ve criticized me, maybe we’ll be friends in the next life? I don’t want to be scolded all the time–it’s tough.“}
“Still, your critiques have made me a better person.”
Signing all those photos wore me out, and eventually, I fell asleep.
In my dreams, Quinn asked me, “Should we have a child?“}
I woke up in a cold sweat. Because of my illness, it felt like I had lost a child
To:
Episode Four (Part Two)?
[If There Were a Time Scroll, I’d Love to Meet You All]
“I got some gifts, and today we’re going to find places to leave them. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, worried about safety issues. So promise me, no pushing or shoving. I’ll leave them in quiet, car–free spots. Whoever finds them can keep them as a memento.”%
“We’ll release the videos showing where we put the gifts in batches. Three days after the video goes live, I’ll have Doris place the gifts at the selected locations.“%
“If any safety issues arise, we’ll cancel the remaining gifts and donate them instead.“}
“This is a little game between us. I hope you enjoy it.
Doris eyed me curiously. “You brought so many clothes today. What’s that about?“}
*For a photo shoot,” I grinned. “I’ll leave you guys with a nine–photo collage, and for the last spot, you can help complete it.”
“And where’s the photographer?”
“You, silly You’re right here.“%
“Elowen, are you serious? My photography skills are, honestly, not great.”
“No worries, we’ve got plenty of time today. We’ll get eight good ones eventually. I’m naturally photogenic, so I’m not scared of your ‘skills‘.*%
Soon enough, I regretted it.
Chapter
“Oh come on, Doris! I knew you weren’t a pro, but how did you manage to take them this badly? Aren’t you a video blogger?“}
“I barely edit my videos. It’s just that taking photos is much harder. I’m worried your fans will roast me for making you look bad.“>
I could tell she was getting a bit flustered.
“They wouldn’t dare,” I teased her with a smile. “You’ve got control over the video releases. Just threaten not to drop the next one and they’ll behave.”
“You’re too much.”
I waved at the camera. “See you later, we’re off to take some photos. You’ll see the final product soon.“}
