text;

[recommendations]

Dearest ImPorts, I require your advice.

Sixteenth birthdays are very important in America, right? That's what I've heard, anyway. You always see stories of girls celebrating their Sweet Sixteen.

Well my Sweet Sixteen is in three days, and I haven't a clue how I should celebrate! Please help me!!! Should I host a party? Should I bake or buy a cake??? Which flavor cake is best? Should I ask for the day off from my internships? Would that be horribly inappropriate??

Thank you in advance, I really am clueless on this matter...

Comments

[recommendations]

Ohhhh, Darin-san! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot! I can work if you need me to!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Nuh uh, no way! It's your sixteenth birthday! Even on my world that's a big day! I know you love to work hard, but take the day! Sleep in! Goof off! Go to an arcade or something fun!

Maybe grab some friends and go to an amusement park!

[recommendations]

I've never been to an amusement park! That does sound exciting!

Do you want to come? I'd hate to pull you away from the forge, but you deserve a day of fun as well!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I wouldn't want to impose. I'm sure you have a ton of friends your own age to go with.

[recommendations]

Not... that many?

[ Keeping as busy as she is, there isn't much time left for making friends. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...Seriously? Someone as bright as you?

[recommendations]

I... focus more on my studies than on being social. I always have.

1/2

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin suddenly had an incredibly intense sense of deja vu. In a way, he and Momo were more alike than he realized. Except, in Darin's case, he focused on his smithing since school wasn't an option to him. All of the other kids his age had gone off to the guilds and schools, leaving him alone in a town with little desire to go out and meet others his own age.]

[He had the forge and that was all he seemingly needed.]

[And look how he turned out.]

[If there was anything Darin wanted more in this world, it was to make sure there would never be another one of him. In any manner of speaking.]

[Momo deserved better. And for her, Darin had to be better.]

2/2

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Make sure you clear your day, Momo. And get a list ready.

Because if there's anything you've ever wanted to do, by my power, I'll make it happen. Amusement park? Water park? Museum? Aquarium? Zoo? Dance Party?! Renaissance Faire?! Party in the park?!?!

[He's gradually getting more and more hyped as he lists things.]

You name it and I'm makin' it happen! And invite anyone and everyone you care to! I'm breakin' this bank wide open! Twenty Four Hour Momo Birthday Bash, hosted by yours truly!

[recommendations]

Uwaaaaaaah!!! Darin-san that's too generous! I could never accept such a gracious offer!!!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I'm not gonna take 'no' for an answer, Momo.

How hard do you work? How often do you put your duties, your responsibilities, and others' needs before your own?

A birthday is supposed to be a celebration for the day you came into this world. On that day, the people who are truly thankful you're a part of their lives are supposed to show it.

You've given me more than most people have. You've given me something to be hopeful for...for this world's future. So let me show you how much I appreciate you on the day that matters!

1/2

[recommendations]

That's so kind... So thoughtful...

[ She's moved by his words, almost to tears. But this is a happy occasion, so she bolsters her emotions instead. ]

2/2

[recommendations]

It would be my honor to accept! Ohhh, Darin-san, thank you, thank you, thank you!