#doris caspar

[melien]

Milo: I do think the around-the-world journey that you're always talking about is a good idea, you know.

Doris: You think so? Some people may think it's a pipe dream.

Milo: Well, I'm not some people. If there's anyone who can do it, it's you.

[melien]

Milo got flustered a little bit at the mention of his online best friend, like he did quite frequently. He and Irene really did have a special bond, and everyone was pretty aware of it.

He has met Irene in person a few times before, although only for a few days at a time, because Twinbrook and Solar Coast were quite far apart. They have been friends since they were teenagers, and only started meeting not so long ago because both used to be quite shy and only talked online.

Nonetheless, Irene was the sweetest human being ever in his eyes, the sweet ray of light to his thoughtful melancholic moon. He liked her cosy style too, with curly hair, glasses and comfy clothes. The first time he saw her, Milo did everything in his power to hold back from exclaiming "god you're so cute!" because she was a genuine sunshine.

[melien]

Milo: You see, Dori, sometimes it helps, but only partly. She will see me again tomorrow and think "oh, not this anxious weirdo that stumbles on their words again!"

Doris: That's true. I mean... not everyone will see us as we are and understand. No matter where we are on the spectrum from Milo to Doris. But you know what's important?

Milo: Hmm?

Doris: That there are people who understand! Or at least want to. I'm glad we try. To see each other, I mean.

Milo: Me too, Dori.

Doris: And you know who else does? Irene! And she's dying to talk to you! As all these dozens of pings of notifications that I can hear right now may signify!

[melien]

Doris: See? It wasn't that hard!

Milo: Oh, it absolutely was. Oh, the embarrassment! How are you not experiencing the second-hand embarrassment right now?

Doris: Well, I kind of find you adorable.

Milo: That's condescending. And coming from my little sister, nonetheless!

Doris: I'm just playing with you. And stalling.

Milo: Stalling?

Doris: Yes! See, it's been a full minute. Now, your new boss has probably moved on to better things. Such as, I don't know, answering emails. I can imagine there's a lot of people there embarrassing themselves. Now your boss is thinking: "Oh, not Rudy with his team meetings again, god I hate this guy!". What does it mean?

Milo: That she hates Rudy's team meetings?

Doris: That she forgot all about you and that call evaporated from her head as soon as she changed her type of activity.

[melien]

Doris: My sweet, precious big sibling, you're overthinking so much, as per usual. But it doesn't mean you're not setting a good example to me. I admire your openness and sensitivity. It makes me look for these qualities in myself as well.

Milo: Thank you, Dori. But, even knowing all this about myself won't cancel out the fact that I'm absolutely freaking out about one call right now.

Doris: You're afraid you won't be good at this job?

Milo: Maybe. There's a lot at stake, I know this money will really help our family. But I'm notorious for putting a lot of pressure on myself and burning out.

Doris: As you said, Diego will be there, and you won't have to worry about overheating, which is already a good thing.

Milo: Perhaps. Well, I guess that's a worry for another time. I just need to make that call, otherwise I'd disappoint both Diego and our mom and you-

Doris: Please! You'd never disappoint me.

[melien]

He had to play it cool, however, as loads of people were already suspecting that he has a crush on Irene, and it wasn't even like that. Platonic friendships are equally as important, right? Well, one time they talked about having a little crush on each other, but then probably got shy and it fizzled out, so alas.

Milo: How do you know it's Irene?

Doris: Please! It's always her bombarding you with messages at any hour of the day.

Milo: Well, no surprise, she's my best friend.

Doris: I thought your best friends were Diego and April?

Milo: Yes, but Irene is... different.

Doris: In which way, may I ask?

Milo: ... We cuddle a lot. And talk about deep things. And she may be the only person that gets me and always validates me.

Doris: Mmhm.

Milo: Also, Diego and April can be a lot, so having an online friend is just perfect for me.

[melien]

Boss: Milo? Who's that?

Milo: Errr-

Doris: *whispers* Diego. Recommended. Me. For the job.

Milo: Diego, uhh...

Boss: Is that Diego? Diego, are you alright?

Milo: No! I mean, he- I mean-

Doris: *squeezes Milo's hand harder*

Milo: Ahem. WhatIwantedtosayisDiegorecommendedmeforthisjobandIwouldverymuchliketoworkforyou-

Boss: Ah! Yeah! Yeah, our water park is hiring. You can gladly come on Monday at 9 am and we'll see what we can do.

Milo: Thank you! Thank you very much! See you on Monday! Bye! I hope you have a nice evening filled with beautiful family moments...

Boss: *hangs up*

Doris: That's it, Milo, it's over! You did great!

[melien]

Doris: Okay, brother, I'll leave you at Irene's disposal now. And good luck with your job. But, I beg you, please, don't do the Milo thing.

Milo: What's the Milo thing?

Doris: Take the weight of the world onto your shoulders just to prove yourself. You know, no matter how much me and mom support you, that's not what we want for you. And let Diego help you! Don't assume you're burdening him. And first and foremost, try to have fun.

Milo: I wish you were the one taking this job, Dori. You would have been good at it.

Doris: You overestimate me. Being extroverted comes with its perks, especially in this current world climate, but I... I do wonder how it feels to be more introspective. It's like my thoughts are ahead of me a lot and I barely have the time to really get to know myself.