[There was truth in Alisae's words. Nil remembered the first time she reached the shore, she was so happy and at peace knowing that people were here that were like her. But, over time, the veneer of being normal got chipped away to the mundane. Despite everything, she never forgave herself for being what she was. And how could she?]

[The pain was abating and, despite herself, the tentacles reached around Alisae's shoulders for an embrace. Rather than feel relief, though, Nil just felt... so tired.]

Thank you, Alisae. [Her eyes drifted from hers back into her thoughts.]

When I was... afflicted... I ran away. I don't know how long. A year? Two years? I hid away in a cave and stayed there, relying on the scraps of what I could find to survive.

I feel so conflicted on so many things. I do not want to live, but I have too much to do before I die. I do not want to hurt the people around me, but I do not want to be alone. I want to be normal, but I don't want to be weak that I am helpless.

Desires... it is like this curse was made for me.