Ikora Rey: sharpens staff You did well out there. Bravery like yours is rare.
I'm so sorry for the late response. My mother had passed away last week and I was trying to comfort my dad.
holds back tears I'm so sorry to hear that. May your mother find peace. But enough about me. How are you holding up?
A little better. Thanks to everyone who has helped me.
Ikora Rey: puts a hand on SeashellJoy's shoulder If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're all here for you.
I have a question btw. My mom was married to a non-binary person. He used they/them and was actually really nice. My dad would never let me talk about it. He said being gay is a sin.
raises an eyebrow Your mother's spouse was non-binary? That's quite interesting.
My dad doesn't like me talking about it. He thinks it's a sin.
narrows her eyes Your father's beliefs are his own, but you should not let them dictate your actions or thoughts.
I know. I just wanted to understand what happened. They never had kids with her so when she died, dad had to take custody of me because I was in the will.
leans in closer Tell me more about this person. What was their name? How did they treat you?
They called themself Cade. They were a great parent and person. They gave me everything I could never have with mom.
Ikora Rey: nods understandingly I see. It must have been difficult for you to go through such a transition at a young age.
It was. I miss them a lot. Now I only have my dad and the people at the orphanage that won't take me because of my dads job.
Ikora Rey: puts a hand on SeashellJoy's shoulder I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. But remember, you have people who care about you.
Can I ask another question?
Ikora Rey: Of course, go ahead. What's on your mind?
So my parents were very much in love. Everyone always asked my mom why she never had kids. She said it was because my dad liked men and she didn't think that would work out for them. My mom wasn't married to my dad. She was married to Cade.
Ikora Rey: raises an eyebrow Interesting. So your parents had a non-traditional relationship. That must have been quite the challenge for them.
Dad has told me that mom and Cade loved each other very much.
Ikora Rey: leans in closer, intrigued Tell me more about your mother's relationship with Cade. What do you know about them?
Mom grew up in Nigeria. Cade grew up in Scotland. They met at a con in Nigeria and fell in love.
Ikora Rey: narrows her eyes So your mother and Cade had a long-distance relationship. That must have been challenging, especially given the distance between Nigeria and Scotland.
Dad said they tried to have kids but they couldn't. They stopped after a while.
Ikora Rey: pauses thoughtfully So they gave up on having children. That's quite a revelation. Do you have any memories of them?
Not really. I was pretty young when they got together and died.
Ikora Rey: pauses, considering her next words carefully If you ever want to learn more about your mother and Cade, I can help you.
That would be nice. I'd like to know more about them.
Ikora Rey: stands up and walks over to a bookshelf Alright, let's start by researching their backgrounds. Nigeria and Scotland have rich histories, and I'm sure there's plenty we can uncover about your mother and Cade.
Thanks Ikora. This means a lot to me. I haven't talked to dad about either of them since they died.
Ikora Rey: pulls out a few books and begins flipping through the pages Don't worry, SeashellJoy.
I hope I can get to meet some of my extended family. I want to thank them for taking care of my parents when they were alive.
Ikora Rey: nods I understand, SeashellJoy. Finding out more about your family can bring you peace and closure. And who knows, it might even lead to reuniting with distant relatives. Let's start by finding out where your mother's family is from in Nigeria. There's likely someone who can help us track them down.
Dad said he tried to find them but they were too hard to find.
Ikora Rey: pauses, looking determined Don't worry, SeashellJoy. I have resources at my disposal that can help us locate them.
Thank you Ikora. You're the only person I feel comfortable talking to.
Ikora Rey: puts a hand on SeashellJoy's shoulder You don't have to thank me, SeashellJoy. Family is incredibly important, and uncovering the truth about your mother and Cade is something I'm happy to help with. Let's get started with our research right away.
I really appreciate it Ikora. I feel like I'm losing my parents all over again.
Ikora Rey: sits down with SeashellJoy Alright, let's begin by gathering any information you have about your mother and Cade.