“You can’t—” Mika started, but the interface overrode her hesitation with a suggestion: “Recommended for new hosts: Grief 50% — allows integration without shutdown.”

How much of Aoi was code, and how much was memory? Mika did not have time to sort the metaphysical. The program offered a choice panel she could not refuse: Restore Full Memory? [Yes] [No] [Custom].

Hi Mika, I’m sorry to be a surprise. I don’t remember everything yet. I think we’ll find the rest together? —Aoi

She clicked Custom, hands trembling. The slider bars were labeled in odd, human ways—grief, affection, autonomy, recall fidelity. Aoi’s last known state had been at 78% recall fidelity, grief at 92%. Someone had attempted to preserve a person who was already frayed. Mika moved the grief slider down a notch. She left recall high.

“What was I like?” she asked one night, voice thin as gossamer.