[ She waves when she sees him. ]

I thought I'd come over and say hi! It feels like a while since I last saw you. [ Time wise... it probably wasn't that long ago. But it feels long ago. ] How are you?

[ Sandry can tell, he's not... like when they had cookies on the park table. But! That's just a challenge! Surely they can have fun like that again. Surely that's how it's meant to be. ]

Well, I've been strange recently, but it's nothing a bit of time with my friends can't solve! [ She holds up the tote bag with a smile. ] I brought cookies too!

[ Sandry is optimistic. That's... really all she has right now. She has to believe it will all work out.

Sandry goes over to a blanket and sits down with a graceful sweep of her long dress. It's different than the clothes she wore last month, but just like what she was wearing the first time they met. The first time? No... she has always been here, in Aldrip, it's her home, right? ]

I made those cookies again. The earl grey shortbread ones. You liked them! And the tea is a darjeeling blend. I think you'll like it.

[ Sandry gives a little frown as she pulls things out of her bag, but her tone is light and maybe a bit too cheery. ]

I don't see why. It was very real and it very much happened. Who can say what's right and what's wrong?

[ Not Sandry. Certainly not Sandry. And she's loathe to let a friend like Kakashi just... slip away. ]

[ Oh Sandry has Opinions about that. ]

I don't think we were weak. Why would we be? There were some scary things but no one got hurt! Certainly nothing like when the town hall got blown up.

[ That gets a stubborn frown from Sandry. ]

Don't you dare say that. "Common civilians" do plenty for you. Who grows the food you eat? Makes the clothes you wear? Makes the furniture, the plates and bowls? They deserve your respect. And there's nothing wrong with being happy!

No, it wasn't, you couldn't have known. You're not responsible for that. Besides, it was very safe, we didn't need any protection.

[ Sandry uncharacteristically deflates from her stubborn defiance, casting her eyes downward and looking a little like she might cry. Her voice is soft when she speaks. ]

Are you just going to say that nothing in the last month was real and you're going to forget all about it?

[ Sandry takes a breath and lets it out slowly, trying to calm herself before she speaks, and is mostly successful though she's still looking downwards. ]

I know it wasn't real, but it... it's still so confusing to me. I know but some part of me does not believe.

[ Sandry shakes her head and this time she can't help a tear or two from falling. ]

That's not all bad! It's okay to be happy, for things to be okay! Even if it wasn't... wasn't real, it's not all bad. There can be good things too.

[ Sandry gives a sniff, fishing a handkerchief out of her pocket and daintily wiping her eyes. Really, she's not one for crying, it's just so much right now. ]

Yes, there are. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop being your friend. I'm not going to forget the time we spent together last month.

[ Sandry gives what almost could be a small laugh. It's close enough. Crying episode over, Sandry puts the handkerchief away and resumes setting up the cookies and tea. ]

I won't forget it but I won't make you talk about it, deal?

[ She opens the container of cookies, the same kind they ate in the park, and places the cookies between them, almost like a peace offering. ]

[ Sandry notices his hesitation but doesn't comment on it. She feels like she's pushed enough for now. He's eating a cookie and that's what matters.

Next comes out the travel mugs and thermos; the tea won't be hot at this point, but it feels wrong not to have tea with cookies. She pours a mug for both of them while she talks, placing one in front of Kakashi when she's done. ]

Yes! I didn't bake before last month, but I think it's fun. I'm glad I got to learn it. [ She hesitates, clearly unsure, before continuing. ] Back in Emelan I never was in the kitchen growing up, and then at the temple we got food from the Hub, and now no one lets me in the kitchen again.

[ Sandry gives a nod, pleased that he's eating her cookies. ]

That's right, we had cooks and maids and the like.

[ A sudden idea springs to her mind and she claps her hands. ]

I know! We should take cooking lessons! Together!