#100% only to shorten posts cuz rps can get longer than an ikea receipt

[idv-the-scientist]

“An embalmer...”, the scientist mumbled. It was more a thought spoken aloud than an addition to their conversation. There was no judgment or disgust in his voice, but the lamenting tone of someone who has lost a loved one, with grief's claws still deep in their flesh. Naturally, those who are not done processing one such case, prefer to distance themselves from death - or those who work with it. As such, the words falling on the embalmers ears had a familiar kind of stilted, awkward politeness:

“We would indeed not have any proof of any prior meeting, that is true, but I believe that the world and our meetings all leave an impression on us - some shallow, some on a deeper level. One simply needs to learn how to unearth it.”

He let go of the embalmer's hand, took a deep breath and drew a confident smile.

“But enough of our cryptic philosophies on experience and memories! Calling me simply Mr. Collins is just fine with me! Let me answer your initial question: Fearing for something you lost is quite common. You need time to register that loss and unless done so, it will still be present in your mind. Examples would be still preparing food for a departed relative, or phantom pains in a limb that has been lost. It is quite natural in its occurrence and if experienced, one should focus more on coming to terms with the loss, than trying to 'fix' the symptom.”

During his little Lecture, the scientist spoke at an agreeable pace, his pronunciation clear and his intonation pleasant. This man had spoken in front of crowds before and, most likely, about more complicated topics. However, the way he talked and gestured was made to reach people with the promise of explaining everything at length, if his listener desired. It felt like he was exchanging ideas with someone on the same level as him, not a novice, and he respected them as such. This often lead to a boost of confidence, focus and enthusiasm in his audience.*

“I myself have lost nothing, nor am I grieving any person.”

Though sometimes it sure felt like it. But those feeling did not match up with reality, and his mother had raised him better than to bother strangers with his delusions.

---

*[Consider Aesop inspired with Social Butterfly now being in effect]

( @yellow-rose-embalmer )

"Good evening, Mr. Collins. I have heard about your study of memory. I... find it quite fascinating, truly." Aesop pauses, fixing his posture and fussing with one of his gloves. "I am curious what made you choose that to research. Forgive my asking, but... would you say that you had something that you did not want to lose, even if it was no longer 'here'? Or even something you couldn't physically keep in general."

That was… How-? No, no. No need to panic. While his guess was good, it wasn’t spot on. Maybe the two of them simply had some curious overlap in their motivations, that’s all. But it’s better to make sure. After all, what if he did know something? It could be valuable information on his own situation.

The professor extended a hand, politely but intrigued: “Glenn Collins. I do indeed research the human brain with a focus on memory and memory loss. Have we met before? And may I ask what is behind that curiously specific questioning of yours? Any way I can help?”