Borrow money from Brown?
And then use that money… to purchase an item from the Cosmic Shopping Mall?
“…….”
No.
‘It’s not borrowing.’
It’s receiving an advance.
And the meaning of an advance is….
[Of course, there will be no burdensome collection efforts. We’re friends, after all!]
[It simply means that one day, when we work together, it will be deducted from that day’s wages. At this level, it shouldn’t feel emotionally burdensome for Mr. Roe Deer either….]
He meant to hire me again.
[So, what do you think?]
…….
First of all.
“Brown, how are you here?”
I needed to buy time.
I looked at the suited host sitting on the platform.
“This is a Personal Shopping space. Other customers shouldn’t be able to enter.”
[My, my, but mass media is not a customer—it’s family, is it not! Ah, the warm sense of everyday life that a TV set in the living room provides.]
His two gloved hands opened in a kindly, courteous gesture.
[This Brown is family to my friend, and part of what makes you laugh and cry. Naturally, I accompany you on shopping trips as well.]
[Do you doubt it? Then let’s ask the Personal Shopper here, shall we! Now then, explain it…. Why am I here?]
The lizard added,
“That sapient being has manifested on-site as part of your mental system for the sake of smoother shopping proceedings.”
[So it seems! Ah, though of course, if Mr. Roe Deer were to coldly reject this pitiable friend and say he doesn’t wish to bring me along on his shopping trip, then I would have no choice but to disappear….]
[Would you truly say something so cruel?]
My mind sank heavily.
‘Brown can talk to me freely now, even without the Good Friend doll….’
Just like during that previous Personal Shopping session, when my contaminations had manifested.
No matter how I looked…