i've been dealing with some things like every human being

[roundandaround]

WHO: Sparkle Sisters (Rinku, Evangeline, Mary) and their Pokémon
WHAT: A family weekend getaway to celebrate Evangeline's birthday before her Other Party
WHEN: First weekend of February
WHERE: Frostreign Inn
WARNINGS: Possible mention of their various traumas, particularly those in game since September (family death, body puppeting, murder, cannibalism, helplessness to rescue someone you should have been able to save, related survivor guilt, demons, hell, comas, soul stealing, fear of abandonment, children with knives). This is a soft healing log, though. We are fighting the sad.

[Rinku had booked it well before the mission, and now here they were in a cozy family suite in the Frostreign Inn. The weekend was devoted to unwinding and seeing everything they could see: the Sauna Spa where they could relax, skating at a local rink, watching a snowboard competition, visiting the Ice Castle where the kids could climb through the passages and the adults could look at the pretty lights (and giggle at all the couples on dates), and eating at the warm and hearty local restaurants.

Now it's time to rest in their room. Everyone's gathered around, plenty of blankets around and a pile of wrapped presents sitting at the foot of Evangeline's bed. Rinku brings out a layered orange cream cake and adds a star-shaped candle before setting it down on the table.]

Happy birthday, Neechan. Make a wish on your candle! Do you wanna eat or open presents first?

Comments

[abnormalizes]

[It's been nice. Relaxing with her sisters, not having to think about all that's happened in the past few months. She's still not fantastic at skating, but she had fun.]

Presents first, I think! Otherwise the suspense will get to me.