[ The question gives him pause, grounds him just as much as her hand does. Maruki blinks owlishly at her behind his glasses. The strange sensation of being pulled from your own memories and made to orient them in time and space for someone else. ]
Six years ago, or so. One of those things that feels like yesterday and centuries ago at the same time.
[ A beat, and he tries to circle back to his point, his voice heavier than before. ]
Months passed, and she never improved. To make matters worse, my presence only triggered her memories of that night. In the end, for Rumi's own sake... I had to let her go.
[ It's as close to the whole truth as he can get.
A deep breath drawn. He smiles over at Venat again, small and sad, but no less genuine. It isn't a mask. He really does mean this, with all his heart. ]
I was already a cognitive researcher at that point, but what happened with Rumi solidified my life's path. If there was a way to directly address pains of the heart like what she suffered... To understand them the way a physician can understand and heal a broken bone... I wanted to find it. I dedicated all of my research to that pursuit.
[ He shrugs, a little sheepish. ]
In the end, my obsession with that was unhealthy. Counseling was a more effective way to help people heal, so I turned to that.
[ It's–
A relief.
A profound one, actually. He's never felt that way after telling this story. ]
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timeasmymeasure
wouldn't i love if atlus had a timeline that made sense
Date: 2024-06-12 12:10 am (UTC)Six years ago, or so. One of those things that feels like yesterday and centuries ago at the same time.
[ A beat, and he tries to circle back to his point, his voice heavier than before. ]
Months passed, and she never improved. To make matters worse, my presence only triggered her memories of that night. In the end, for Rumi's own sake... I had to let her go.
[ It's as close to the whole truth as he can get.
A deep breath drawn. He smiles over at Venat again, small and sad, but no less genuine. It isn't a mask. He really does mean this, with all his heart. ]
I was already a cognitive researcher at that point, but what happened with Rumi solidified my life's path. If there was a way to directly address pains of the heart like what she suffered... To understand them the way a physician can understand and heal a broken bone... I wanted to find it. I dedicated all of my research to that pursuit.
[ He shrugs, a little sheepish. ]
In the end, my obsession with that was unhealthy. Counseling was a more effective way to help people heal, so I turned to that.
[ It's–
A relief.
A profound one, actually. He's never felt that way after telling this story. ]
Now you know. That's how I found my purpose.