Vertin: This should be the right time.
Vertin: Tuesday, are you there?
Again, there's no response.
Vertin: Am I too early? Or perhaps I'm late?
Vertin: Or maybe she didn't hear me.
She knocks one more time.
This time, her knock is answered.
Vertin: It took you 5 minutes and 23 seconds to open the door. Longer than I expected.
Vertin: Is there any reason for that?
Tuesday: Oh, I was catching up with an old friend. You really scared her with your knocking.
Tuesday: I was little preoccupied watching her reaction. My apologies.
Tuesday: How's your test going? Anything you'd like to share with me?
Vertin: With Ms. Barbara's help, we've managed to finish the mobility test.
Vertin: It seems the suitcase weakens the connection between the motel and the outside world.
Vertin: The dollhouse's structure and furnishings are an exact replica of the original motel.
Vertin: I can feel it shaking when Ms. Barbara moves, but not so much that I lose my balance.
Vertin: So, in conclusion, there's no need to take extra measures to restrain the dollhouse.
Vertin: Which I'm sure Ms. Vila will be glad to hear.
Tuesday: Wonderful! Then it's safe for those lively, curious children.
Tuesday: My child could use some friendly playmates.
Vertin: It's a win-win, then.
Tuesday: By the way, there's something I've been meaning to ask you.
Vertin: Yes?
Tuesday: It's about your suitcase. Is it a similar existence to my child?
Tuesday: Oh, you don't have to answer if you don't want to.
Tuesday studies her face, looking for any signs of hesitation.
Tuesday: Didn't you ever worry that I wouldn't open the door for you?
Tuesday: Anyway, I know we're going to spend a long time together, so I told it not to play any pranks on you.
Tuesday: But I didn't expect it to be so obedient.
The swaddling cloth in her arms stirs.
Tuesday: There, there. I'm not blaming you, sweetie.
Tuesday: Truth is, Ms. Vertin—I find you rather intriguing. You're so young, yet you're steady as a rock.
Tuesday: You're not afraid of separation or of being left alone. You don't seem to fear unknown dangers, either.
Tuesday: Even now, I don't see a hint of fear in you!
Her pale face blushes.
Like a silver knife reflecting the candlelight.
Tuesday: This is rare, indeed.
Tuesday: Are you really never afraid?
Vertin: ...
Is she never afraid?
Never is a strong word. It means not even once before, and not ever after.
Vertin: No.
Vertin: I've certainly had my fearful moments, and perhaps there'll be more to come.
Vertin: But I'm not afraid right now.
Vertin: As you said, fear comes from the unknown.
Vertin: And as we learn about the unknown, we conquer fear.
Vertin: You're welcome to stay here with us for more, if you're interested.
Tuesday: I see. You're confident. You must know yourself well.
Tuesday: Well, now that the story's come to an end, I wonder what people will do.
Tuesday: And I'm very much looking forward to seeing it.
What is fear?
Is it a sound without a source, an indescribable creature,
or a sword suspended by a single hair?
Is it a mirror?
Or a pair of eyes gazing into the abyss and the abyss staring back?
Tuesday: Whatever may come, I wish you all the best.
