\hypertarget{codrin-bux103lanpollux-the-bux103lan-clade}{%
\subsection{Codrin Bălan\#Pollux — The Bălan clade}\label{codrin-bux103lanpollux-the-bux103lan-clade}}

\begin{quote}
systime 225 (2349)\\

Pollux---Lagrange transmission delay:\\
35 days, 9 hours, 48 minutes

Pollux---Castor transmission delay:\\
71 days, 13 minutes
\end{quote}

\Partner\ is gone.

They're gone. No fight, no yelling or acrimony, they just said that they needed some time to themselves and gave us each a hug and kiss and stepped away. I would have thought it just meant for a day or so, but their entire studio is cleared out. I pinged and they requested a few days to think before we talk.

What do I do? We'll wait as requested, but Dear's a mess. Hell, \emph{I'm} a mess. I couldn't give it the support it needed when I needed support myself, so Serene is staying with us again for a while just to help how she can.

What do I do? I've never gone through anything like this and everything feels so incredibly desperate, as though I've done something so awful that a single misstep will bring the entire world down around my ears. It's kept me frozen in place for a few days now. I've slept, I know, and Serene's made sure that Dear and I get outside at least once a day.

What do I do, Ioan?

Codrin, have you heard anything?

What do I do?

--- C
