Xistentia

[ It's been a few days since Rafa felt like himself again. He's avoided everyone but Hunter since then, and even now he doesn't look comfortable on camera. This is something that has to be done, so he is making himself do it. Anyone who knows his farmhouse will recognise that he's sitting at the top of the stairs, with the plain wall behind him and the shadows of the eaves playing over his shoulders. ]

Hello. I am certain that you do not wish to hear from me, but I must speak anyway. I must apologise for the things that I did. I was not myself, as many of you were not yourselves.

That does not make it right. To those of you whom I...hurt. Enthralled. [ He corrects himself and then swallows, that word tasting sour on his tongue. ] ...I know that you are in pain now. I would help you if I could, but my presence would make things worse for you. I cannot ask for your forgiveness, so I will not. In time, the city will heal your affliction. It does not allow such things, and now that it is safe again, it will make you right. You need only wait, and I am sorry that you must.

[ If Shane were here, he could have cured them at once. He would have made everything right again. But he's gone, and Rafa feels his absence so much more keenly now. Seeing that Kyd is about to turn away, he reaches to draw him closer and refocuses. ]

Our farm will not welcome visitors for a time. I will arrange for what we grow to be sent into the city. [ He looks like he might say something more. Then he thinks better of it, and shakes his head. ] Goodbye, my friends.