Claude & Hilda A

Hilda
I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities.

Hilda
Claude, take my mind off it all! Regale me with another of your weird childhood stories.

Claude
OK then... How about an old story from a foreign land that my dad told me when I was a kid?

Claude
Once upon a time, there was a white camel that got separated from his herd...

Hilda
I'm so happy for that white camel! I really thought he was gonna die!

Claude
Was that story really worth bawling your eyes out over?

Hilda
It was wonderful! Don't you know how moving that story is?

Claude
You know, I never thought much of it until today... But seeing you bawling like that, I do appreciate it a little more now.

Hilda
What's that mean?

Claude
Well, you're always fake-crying, aren't you? Getting all misty-eyed to make people think you're a delicate flower.

Hilda
What?! You're awful! I only cry when I'm sad!

Claude
Claim what you like, but I can spot real tears from fake tears any day of the week. Fess up.

Hilda
Hm. If you understand me so well, maybe it's because you're no different.

Claude
How's that?

Hilda
When you smile or laugh, it's not sincere. I can tell.

Hilda
I've only seen you genuinely smile a handful of times. Like when you're talking to the professor.

Claude
Well! Good one, Hilda. You hit me right in the gut.

Claude
I guess you're right. I'm not so different from you in that way.

Claude
But how did you come to realize that? Have you been watching me that closely?

Hilda
I'm afraid so. My eyes seem to wander toward you, of their own accord...

Hilda
Waagh! Hold on! Forget I said that. I didn't say that.

Claude
Nope—no can do. Forgetting isn't something this crafty brain of mine is capable of.

Claude
Besides, my eyes have a tendency to wander in your direction too. How else do you think I found out about your fake crying?

Hilda
Huh? What are you getting at?

Claude
Say, Hilda... Once everything's settled down, do you want to come meet my parents?

Claude
I mean, don't get the wrong idea. You just seem interested in my family.

Claude
Besides, you've opened up to me quite a bit, but I still haven't let you in on my own secrets.

Claude
If you meet my parents, I think you'll understand. Though it might come as a bit of a surprise.

Hilda
Your family? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious.

Claude
Well then, if neither of us changes our minds before the opportunity presents itself... Let's agree to go visit my home together.

Hilda
Although, if it's a long journey, my brother might not be too happy.

Claude
True... That might be a tough nut to crack. As tough as Fódlan's Locket...