dr_conscience | [ 71st consult

I realize this is a day late, but perhaps that's just as well. At least this way, anything I have to say isn't all dismissed as the result of a curse.

[He pauses slightly before proceeding.]

I realize it can be difficult for some of us - myself included - to find something to be thankful for here, but it isn't impossible. Despite the years I've spent here, I am thankful. I'm thankful for the friends that I do have here, whether they're from home or not. For those who are from home, I'm thankful that I'm here with them, for what little comfort a familiar presence can provide. I know their presence helps me. [And, added with a fond smirk you can clearly hear in his tone:] Mostly.

For those who have left - who have become far too numerous, lately - I'm thankful that I had the chance to know them when they were here. And for those of them who have a safe home to return to, I'm thankful that they're back where they belong.

I know that the City means a lot to some of us here, whether it's another chance at life, a safer home than the one you came from, or an opportunity to build relationships you may not have had otherwise... but even for those of us who'd jump at the first opportunity to get home we were offered, it can be meaningful. Things can happen here which we can be thankful for, people can be here who we're thankful for knowing, and there can be days we appreciate.

All of which, to be clear, isn't to say I'd like to stay another few years. I just hope that everyone can find their silver lining, that we can recognize and appreciate the good moments we do have, and I hope that, whether it's your holiday or not - whether it even exists where you come from - that you all had a happy Thanksgiving.

[ooc: I am here on the hmd for anyone who's so inclined. Apologies if tags get slow, I am being a sloth on my long weekend XD]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

This time last year was a bit horrible. It's gone completely the other way since, at least for me, but—I mean, departures still happen. Or worrying about departures, rather.

You've been here a while, haven't you, Dr Wilson?

Departures are always part of being in the City... but really, that's just all the more reason to appreciate the better times here while you can. So, I'm glad things are going that way for you right now.

And I have, yes. It's been... a bit over two years, since I got back - and another six months before I left, which makes it awkward to try to keep track of. It's been longer for you, hasn't it?

Well, I've finally got company from home again. That definitely makes things better, doesn't it?

And yeah, a bit longer than that. Not by much, though. It'll be three years in December.

I certainly think it does. I know I'm lucky to have always had company from home here... there's a lot to be said for some familiarity in a place like the City.

There aren't many of us left that have been here that long, are there?

You've always had people from home? [A low whistle, impressed.] Merlin's beard, you are lucky.

[She pauses thoughtfully.]

A handful, I reckon. It isn't exactly something you want to advertise to newcomers, is it?

Believe me, I know.

[He pauses too, drawing a breath as he thinks before proceeding carefully.]

Not advertise, no. Of course, they have every right to an honest idea of what's possible here, including how long people can stay... but I wouldn't exactly advertise it. Most people are focused enough on getting out without too much extra encouragement there.

I try not to talk about it right away. How long people can be here, I mean. It's sort of awful to hear, isn't it, when you've still got all these ideas to try and get out.

[She starts laughing, but it's brief and soft.]

I always have to tell them it isn't normal, being here so long. I mean, it isn't, is it? Even you've gone home since then, haven't you?

It's also a lot to take in, at the same time people are trying to convince you that you're not where you just were and explain what a curse is.

[He pauses with a soft breath.]

I did go home. Spent a year there - what amounted to a few weeks for the City - and wound up coming right back. But no, I don't think it's normal. Outside of those from my world, most of the people I've met come and go. I think the average is closer to a handful of months, maybe a year.

Easier to believe when your world has magic. At least a little.

[Ginny pauses.]

Most people go after a year, yeah. I've only been home once, a few months after I arrived, and it was just a week at home and about three here. I don't know. You sort of forget about how much time's passed when you've got company, though. And then you end up thinking about staying longer and wanting it, and—it's complicated.

I can understand that; how we want to stay, after a time. Personally, I can't say that I like the City, but... it would be difficult to leave people here, were I given a chance to leave. Even if it isn't the same for everyone, I'm sure we all have things about the City that we'd have a difficult time leaving behind.

Didn't expect to make friends outside of my own world, yeah.

[It's a bit of a joke, a silly thing to consider, but it's got a bit of truth too.]

Where are you from, by the way? Don't think I actually know.

It's not really something most of us could have planned for.

I'm from the extremely non-magical land of New Jersey... same world as Doctors House, Cameron and Chase.

I think it's fascinating, doesn't have to be magical to be special. I've never been to America.

[ 71st consult | voice ]

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