[ so, he really, really should have checked up on yu before this. but though they're friends, he felt... weird, like sympathy coming from someone not experiencing that same loss would simply feel unwelcome, unfair, and so he never reached out.

until now, because if scott is gone, too, who's to say this isn't something happening to all those who have been here the longest, one by one? perhaps it would be kotone next ... or yu. and if that was the case, charles would never forgive himself for not talking to him.

so, he sends a message, ]

Hey there, mate. So... if I show up at yours, will you let me in? Or you could join me at the farm. Today's my volunteering day.