I had a revelation last night, regarding why 7 major (and multiple minor) characters from Aelis' life have disappeared.

This is how it works:

Contact is made by one party or t'other, sometimes both simultaneously. Aelis develops an interest in the other person but does not voice this interest. Chat ensues. T'other person expresses an interest in Aelis. Aelis reveals her interest in t'other person. They discuss the merits of furthering the friendship / relationship / fling. They either develop the friendship / relationship / fling, or go back to chatting, depending on the eventual resolution of the previous discussion. Aelis shares truth at every turn, rather than avoiding the other person, or sparing them. The other person disappears. Sometimes, the other person will resurface for an hour or two, here and there... but overall, they're invisible. This pattern works with friendship, not just with bedded-flings.

Possible solutions?
- Aelis should not spare / hide truth from t'other person at the start.
- Aelis should keep her thoughts to herself even when things develop.
- Aelis should not allow herself to develop any sort of below-surface interest. At all. Ever.
- Aelis should accept all persons are imaginary until proven otherwise.
- Aelis should F*ck 'em and run, denying the precepts of The Tribe.


And, of course, Aelis should go back out to her hammock despite the rain and get on with developing solitude.



(Please note there are exceptions to this. You know who you are, and I love you)