iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Don't- [Her voice cracks and she swipes at some tears forming in her eyes.] I don't, want another person in this family to be a failure, okay? I-I can accept me! Not her!

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Woah- Okay, too touchy. ... You're welcome, Vero. I'll see if I can find some red buttons then, 'kay?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Alrighty. [She looks at the pieces of the case and inspects them for any cracks or damage.] These look fine to me. Did you still want red buttons, or something that matches this a bit more?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

... [She stops in place, looking down at the sidewalk underneath them. She's biting her lip. She's shaking slightly.]

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

I mean, he can paint a case. That way if it does break, you can just put the case on a new phone. ... Go, pick out a color you like. Try to keep it plain or simple, so you can really see the constellations later. I'll give him a call in a bit, okay?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Well, I know they do. But that's going to be clunky in your bag. ... How about we get Lucas to paint you some accurate constellations on a phone case, instead? I'm sure he'd love to do that for you when he's free.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

My brother went missing because I wasn't taking care of him. Everyone else gave up! And, and everyone else just accepted that they were stuck with the failure child. (*Even back there, I was a failure.*) ...I don't want her taking the wrong paths in life, Simon. She deserves better.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

No, I know what one is. How am I supposed to find a phone case shaped like one...?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A...A moon rock? ...Explain further.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

VERO WHAT ARE THE KIDS AT SCHOOL SAYING TO YOU-

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

... (*Do I really-?*) Alright. I'll buy it for you. Anything else you're certain you want?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Because I am? I am a fuck-up? Look at me. I spent five years locked in my room playing video games. Lucas managed to get into uni and skip grades and years even before he up and vanished. ... I can see the disappointment in everyone's eyes. I don't want Vero to be looked at that way.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Okay. Vero. You don't have a third arm. I was lying to you. Second, what exactly are they saying?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

...I don't look like that. [She gently takes it from Vero.] If you want it, I'll buy it.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

I'm, still not happy I did that to him. Dad was just trying to help. I guess I wasn't used to it. ... [She sighs.] Can, you talk to her? She keeps saying she wants to be like me, and she looks up to me and all that shit...I don't want that for her. Don't want your daughter being a fuck-up.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Mm, maybe they don't have many accessories that have glitter in them, Very. I can't control their stock... Are you at least finding things you like-?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Okay, it isn't actually lava rock, but- Wait. What. Vero, roll it back. What?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Okay, well not all of us are that lucky. I got a lava rock. ...Not the point. The point is you were a freak before the arm thing, anyway.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

(*Welp...There goes my paycheck.*) If they don't have any sparkles for your buttons, we'll find sparkles for other parts of the phone, alright? Can we make that deal?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

That's a good thing, Uncle. She could've been like me, and smashed a bottle over your arm. You aren't a mooch. You're a dad, and a damn good one at that, if she's asking you if she can sneak out. ...Speaking of, can, you talk to her about something?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

You literally create crystals because you fell down the stairs.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Nope, haha. We all thought it was funnier that way.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

You never know. Some people are always just going to be shady, and bad. [She lets go of Vero's hand.] Go pick out some accessories for your phone, okay? Don't go crazy, though. [She goes to talk to the person at the register about new buttons for the phone.]

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Yeeeeppp. Even your dear ol' pop. Figured we'd all tell you when you're older but, oh well.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Oh it's behind you at all times. You can't see it, but everyone else can. We all just kept it a secret from you.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

..Listen, you and I can't do what Dad does. I don't even know how he survives some of his work. Trust me, I've sneaked peaks at him in the med bay. You take care of Vero. For all you know, she could've been from the same hellhole Lucas and I are from. *And* you took care of us. You see? You help.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Yeah, yeah, but you never know if someone's looking to snatch a young girl. Would rather not take chances. [They make it to the store and she opens the door.] Alright, it's a small shop. Just don't break anything while I talk to someone, kay?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The same day you grew extra arms.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

You know you help people already, right? Like, you...You know that, right?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Yeah, well, not a problem. That's why I have my job. I know in the future you'll have an actual sense of preservation, yeah?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Eh, guess not, but still, I think- Ah, fuck it...For another time. [She quickly catches up to her and grabs onto her hand again.] Hey, hey. Don't go too far ahead. Got it?

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

You were just trying to help. But, don't be stupid next time. Da- Ugh. Yijun isn't gonna be able to save your ass every time. He's just one guy. Don't break his back with work.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

You're... Persistent. Huh. ... Your dad's gotta talk to you about how you shouldn't aspire to be like me. [She points at a shop coming into view.] That one, with the phone sign next to it.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

You uh, you know "Lottie" is already my nickname, right? ... Psh. You don't want to be like me, Vero. Trust me on that. But c'mon, let's pick up the pace. Before your dad has a heart attack on why you aren't picking up your phone.

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lottie guo @semblence738.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I mean, I guess that isn't a bad thing. But be more careful. You don't know who that is. What if it was someone who wanted to hurt me, or Lucas, or Vero? We're safe here, but people in the Wastelands...Well, you know.

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