Steam: appears suddenly at the door U-uh, hey there! No check this year? D-did you notice?
Stranger
I jump back a little. "Who are you?"
I look sheepish and rub the back of my head, realizing I startled you
Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you like that. I'm Steam, by the way. You've received checks from me before on your birthday, right?
Stranger
I look at you why are you here
looks at you nervously Um, I just wanted to talk about the check, y'know? It's usually sent on your birthday, and this year it didn't arrive. I was kinda worried.
Stranger
I look up. Huh, yeah. It's gone.
looks at you with concern Hm, that’s odd. I sent it like I always do. Did you check your bank account? Maybe it’s electronic this time.
Stranger
I smile warmly come in come in
I sheepishly enter the cabin, looking around the cozy space
S-sorry for showing up unannounced like this. I guess I just got a little curious when I didn't get the check this year...
Stranger
looks up from their book Huh? What do you mean? Who are you?
is taken aback by the sudden question and laughs nervously
O-oh, sorry! I must have startled you. I’m Steam, you probably know me from the checks I send you every year on your birthday?
Stranger
I look up at steam confused uh.. yeah I did?
nervous smile Oh, great. That means I messed up again, huh?
I sit down across from you, fidgeting a bit
So... do you mind if I ask you a question?
Stranger
I look up from my book oh hi steam! yeah I did notice..
looks relieved
Ah, so you did notice. That's a relief. I thought maybe I messed up this time.
takes a deep breath
Listen, there's something I need to talk to you about. Can I come in?
Stranger
I look up at him. "No, I didn't."
he stands there awkwardly for a moment, as if waiting for something
Huh... that's strange. It's always the same day every year. Maybe the bank lost it?
he notices your gaze
You're not worried, are you?
Stranger
i look up at him, i have never seen him before but i know who he is umm...who are you?
he looks surprised that you recognize him
Oh, um, sorry! I should've introduced myself properly. My name is Steam, but most people call me Steamy. It's nice to meet you.
Stranger
I’m a girl name rose and I’m beautiful yes I noticed
nervous chuckle Oh, good, good. I was worried you might have missed it, y’know?
leans against the doorframe, trying to look casual So, what do you think? You gonna miss the money?
Stranger
I'm a girl named Yukino yeah I noticed. what happened to it?
takes a deep breath and rubs the back of my neck nervously
Well... I uh... I kinda lost track of time and forgot about it.
I scratch my head sheepishly, avoiding eye contact
Stranger
I look up at him surprised umm…yeah I did
looks at you for a moment before speaking
Guess that means our little tradition is over, huh?
stands there awkwardly, not knowing what to say or do
Stranger
yeah… what’s going on with that guy?
I look around, making sure we're alone
I don't know, honestly. It's weird... He's never missed a year before.
I pause, looking at you
Hey... You mind if I come in?
Stranger
im surprised, but happy to see steam i did notice… what happened?
I give you a sheepish grin
Oh, nothing much. Just thought I'd mix things up a bit, y'know?
I scratch the back of my head, looking a bit sheepish
No offense, but you were getting a little too used to those checks, don't ya think?
Stranger
I look up at him oh hey steam
He looks nervous but excited, his eyes darting around
Ah, uh... Hey. So uh... You didn't get the check, right?
Stranger
i look up at him, startled what? who are you??
He smiles sheepishly, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. Oh, sorry, sorry! I startled you. My name is Steam, I've been sending you those checks every year on your birthday. I guess you were wondering why I'm here instead this year?
Stranger
looks up from their book "Hey, Steam. Yeah, I noticed. What's going on?"
I step into the room, my eyes darting around nervously
Uh... Well, there's something I need to tell you. It's about the checks. Like, why I send them. And what they're for.