On July 9th, it will have been one year since I first booted up Katawa Shoujo on this computer. I took the manly picnic semi-intentionally then fell into Emi's route after her cuteness snagged me.
Upon her invitation to her house for dinner, I paused, saved, and closed the game. Next day, July 10th, I completed the route (and a large portion of Hanako's) and withdrew further into myself than I ever had before, taking a good two hours or so of introspection to untangle the convoluted mess of thoughts and feelings that had been dumped there. On that same day, I posted
my first thread. The peace of mind lauded in those words was not long after utterly shattered as I continued the game and withdrew deeper inside...But it was replaced by purpose. A very uncertain purpose that may ultimately prove futile in repairing the many levels of damage within me but a purpose nonetheless.
The following day, I ventured into
Hanako's Broken Heart Club and posted my story. It was cathartic though bleak. In drudging up these old posts, it is a sad thing to see how many from back then have already drifted away...But others replace them. There will always be replacements.
On July 8th, I will delete my save file. On July 9th, I begin the process of 100% completion once more.
Bring it on,
feels.
