It's useless, in the end, to try to replace the lost Evangelion with a simple string instrument. The gaping hole is simply too big. The robot had cast a long shadow over his life. His thoughts had been twisted around its existence, rooted too deep to pull out even after being whisked to a new world. A fresh start was presented for him, but he is unable to step forward. The groaning cello provides no stable ground for him--only a mindless routine to keep himself busy, a small drink of freshwater for a thirsty boy drifting in a dark ocean.

He's done for today. No progress will be made, like the days before it. He's struggled long enough. With the cello strapped to his back he starts to leave to begin another routine day.

When he turns he doesn't expect to see blue and red. It catches him by surprise and he stops mid-turn, staring.

"... Ayanami?"