Hershel Layton

(His face gains the slightest hint of a smile.)

(It's the first time in weeks he's fallen asleep without any trouble. He looks content.)

(He's already starting to drift off as she speaks.)

Mmhm, yes... I suppose I could.. close my eyes for a second....

...thank you.

You're much too kind.

(He doesn't say a lot more, he seems to be tired. But it is still clear he enjoys the company regardless.)

...

Would it be acceptable if I stayed here next to you for a short while longer?

It's alright if not, I don't want to impose—

I wish I could take it away.

That experience is not something I would hope for anyone.

(He pulls the brim of his hat down as he sheds a few silent tears.)

I hope you'll forgive me, It's just—

It's all very recent.

Then you...

Would you understand, If I—

(He sounds choked up.)

...!

Were you also...?!

I'm sorry.

I tried so hard to regain the justice that incident deserved, I promised I would stop at nothing to investigate your death—

I failed you.

You resemble her perfectly...

I–

I thought I would never hear that voice again.

Hmm... I don't recall ever meeting any other young man with a similar appearance around your age.

Perhaps my senses are all out of sorts from my month long retreat.

...

(He's practically on the verge of tears at the moment. But he refuses to show it.)

I see... I am so terribly sorry.

Yes, although I can't quite put a finger on it, it feels as though we've met before.

It can't be–

The lab, there was nothing but smoke and rubble, and you were—

I... I witnessed the destruction myself. So why...?

I... I am physically alright, yes.

I must say, you look strikingly familliar, my boy.

C-Claire...?

You're—

No, I must be dreaming.

...

I, ah.. I suppose this is preferable to the alternative...

Thank you.

A month..!

My word. I have a lot to catch up on, indeed....

A minute or two–

It feels like much more time has passed...

Where... am I?

..I believe that's his way of pronouncing your name.

...?

(The figure feels vaguely familliar in a way that escapes him)

I suppose it does. Though it's hard to make out entirely.

Randall, perhaps it isn't wise to get so close just yet...

What lady would that be?

If this were intentional you'd think we would've all forgotten ever seeing a cat in the first place.

Anyhow, I find it much more likely if the strain on our collective memory were to be a side effect of our experiences some how, rather than an intentional manipulation of any kind.

In... in part. Though it's not of much relevance to the point I'm trying to make.

It appeared to me twice. One of those times I remember only faintly because of how quickly I was losing consciousness, but I think... that cat went to get me help.