“A quaint sentiment. But I have watched humans for many years—seen their histories, as far back as they’ve been recorded. They had years to become better, yet they would always choose the path of war—against philosophy, religion, culture, and even land—rather than choose to learn about one another.” Ophelia raises a finger in the air. “It is one thing to think of solutions. It is quite another to see them through.”

“You’re wrong,” I say, and I want so badly to believe it.

“After everything that’s happened, do you truly think our kinds can live peacefully together? Do you think that humans would treat us as equals?” She tilts her head. “Humans are always looking for ways to discriminate, even among their own. Be it race or gender or even wealth, humans never stop constructing ways to oppress and divide. Human behavior is a pattern; you and I both know what would happen to my kind if we tried to exist as one.”

She’s afraid of becoming what she used to be. A slave to humans.

Maybe this really isn’t about revenge. Maybe she’s just doing what she thinks she has to in order to protect her freedom.

Is it possible for someone to be wrong in how they behave but right in how they feel? I think I understand her, even if I don’t agree with her. I just wish she’d try to understand me back.

She pauses. “There must be someone in your past life who hurt you. Someone who you feel did you a great injustice. Tell me, could you coexist with them?”

I think of my murderer.

What would I say if I saw him again? What would I do?

Could I forgive him for taking my life? For taking me away from my family?

“I don’t know,” I say almost inaudibly. I force myself to find her gaze. “But I’d want the chance to try.”

She doesn’t respond for a long time. I start to turn away, shadows moving around me like rings, when she tilts her face. “I enjoy our talks.”

“So do I,” I admit with the ghost of a whisper.

“It won’t change anything.”

“I know,” I say, and I hate that it feels like I’m giving up. Because I wish it could change something. I wish talking to Ophelia could be enough to change her mind and prove to her that humans deserve a chance to grow. That they deserve to exist.

And maybe the Residents do too. Maybe neither side has to be responsible for wiping out an entire species.

But how can I accomplish all of this on my own? I need someone to understand what I’m trying to do. I need someone to see the value in coexistence.

If I’m going to build a bridge the way Naoko did, I need someone on the other side.

I need a Resident.