Kim: Hi, I'm Kim.
Tara: Hey Kim! I'm Tara. I just moved here from the city.
Kim: So, what sent you screaming from the city? Dead end job? The sociopaths on dating apps?
[Choice: A little of both, actually.]
Tara: Both, to be honest. Everything in my life kind of fell apart all at once.
Kim: Ah, the city is truly a buffet of hot garbage, isn't it?
Tara: I know that shouldn't make me hungry, but it does.
Kim: I run the butcher. We only sell humanely treated animal products. Right now I have to source the meat from off-island, but we'll hopefully get a new rancher to move here soon.
Tara: Cool, nice to meet you!
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Kim: If you decide to go into ranching, you can sell me any animals you have. I'll give you cash and some of the meat.
Tara: Eek!
Kim: Oh, I guess it's tough, coming from the city to learn… how the sausage is made.
Tara: Yeah, where I come from, it's… not talked about so much.
Kim: I understand. There's lots of stuff we don't talk about in the open here, too.
Tara: Like what?
Kim: ... I have to get back to work.
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Kim: So, you moved here to help out on Hazel's farm? Do you… know anything about farming
Tara: Not even a little bit.
Kim: Don't sweat it. I had only worked in my parents' kitchen before opening my own butcher. I mean, you've at least had a garden or potted plants before, right?
Tara: ...Not really.
Kim: Oh. Well, good luck!
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Kim: I like Hazel. She reminds me of my grandmother. When I came out, my dad had a hard time with it. Obaasan told him to get over himself. Ha! I really miss her.
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Kim: I took care of my obaasan when she got sick too. I'm really grateful I was able to have that time with her. But make sure you take care of yourself, okay? It's easy to forget to eat when you're in caregiver mode.
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Tara: So how long ago did you move here, Kim?
Kim: Just over a year ago. I like it so far. People here are more chill than I expected for a small island town. Some folks still get my pronouns wrong… But at least no one here calls me by the wrong name! I know I'm setting a really high bar there, but well... yeah.
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| Kim: Every night I tell myself I should go hang out at Damon's bar, make more of an effort to like, put myself out there…. And almost every night I stay on the couch binge watching some show I've already seen a million times.
v
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Kim: I was supposed to go back home for my family's Lunar New Year dinner a few weeks ago. My mom's side makes a whole thing out of everyone coming home. But I just didn't want to deal with it this year.
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Kim: Have you met Juliet? She comes by here a lot. I don't mind. There's not that many kids in town for her to relate to.
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Kim: I tried giving Amira some lobster I caught as like, a think you for always fixing me up when my knife skills are not on point. But it turns out she's allergic to shellfish! Smooth, Kim, real smooth.
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Kim: Bruno likes to tell stories when we're waiting for nibbles on our lines. I don't think that most of the tales he tells of fish that got away are true… But I feel like he's happy to have someone else on the docks he can tell them to.
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Kim: Angus cracks me up. Like, I know I shouldn't laugh at his corny jokes, it just encourages him. But I can't help it, okay? I like a good pun.
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Kim: My mom sent me a new shirt, like, it's not even my birthday or anything. It's not exactly my style, but it's… close? I never thought I would say this, but maybe she's finally beginning to see me for who I am.
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Kim: Angus is always trying to warn me away from going fishing in the lake in the woods. But I like the woods, they're peaceful. Plus sometimes I run into Amira. Wow, that sounded way less stalkerish in my head.
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Kim: I don't know what to think about Cameron. There's something about his talk about Malcontents that sets me on edge. Angus really seems to like going to the Consciousness Center, though. He's always inviting me to come.
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Kim: Parker tried to pull me into a conversation about cherry blossom trees the other day. Like yes, I'm half Japanese and all… But no, I don't know the difference between prunus Kanzan and Ichiyou! Parker really does love flowers, though. It's kinda sweet.
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Kim: Bruno and Lina are lucky to have family here. I mean, yeah, I moved away from the city to get some space from my family… But I do miss them sometimes.
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Tara: Kim, I love your boots!
Kim: Thanks! I've had these old stompers forever. I stole them from my big brother! Heh.
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Kim: Have you met Bruno, the mayor's dad? He's cool. Always has some new fishing tips.
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Tara: So? Is the recipe so good I'll be… seitan aback?
Kim: If it's dad jokes you're after, try Parker's workshop… but yes, the seitan is delicious. Here, try it! [Gives 2 seitan.]
Tara: Thanks!
Kim: I cut a deal with Angus, and he'll be giving me vital wheat gluten from now on. If you're ever cooking and you want to sub in seitan for meat, I'll sell you more.
Tara: Noted. I hope Thomas likes the seitan, too!
Kim: I guess we'll see.
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| Kim: Watch out for Lina's kids. They're cute but mischevious, and you're fresh meat, so to speak.
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Kim: I didn't really know Hazel, but I can tell from the way people speak about her that she was special.
Tara: Thanks, she was.
Kim: Have you had anything to eat today? Would you like something to take home?
[Choice: Yes, that would be very kind]
[Gives 2 Beef]
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Kim: Don't get me wrong, I'm excited for the Summer Festival. But it also seems… quaint, y'know? I went to plenty of block parties in the city. Nobody says anything about 'pleasing the fairies' at block parties.
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Kim: Westley - that bookseller from Milkwater - is my biggest customer these days. What does he do with all that meat? Does he like… feed an orphanage? A carnivorous orphanage?
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Tara: What's up? You seem distracted.
Kim: Aww, don't mind me, just looking at flights to Japan.
Tara: You're planning a visit? Take me!
Kim: Not actively planning. I just haven't been back in ten years. Wouldn't mind seeing all my cousins again!
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Tara: Hey, did I hear you singing just now?
Kim: Look, it gets lonely in here sometimes. I gotta keep myself entertained. You should try it on the farm.
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Kim: When I was a teenager, I hated Summer because my mom made me shave my legs and wear summer dresses. Now I don't have to do either of those. It's not like anyone here cares!
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Kim: Tara, be honest. Do you think Lina dislikes me?
Tara: What? No. Did she say something?
Kim: She's just so reserved. I've lived here for a few seasons, and I feel like I hardly know her. There's some part of herself that she's just not sharing.
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Kim: For ten-year-olds, Emmi and Finn know how to make a good pitcher of lemonade.
Tara: Well, someone gave them homemade sugar…
Kim: Maybe I should partner with them? Offer a jamon iberico and lemonade special?
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Kim: That new rancher keeps staring at me. Like… he's clocked me, but he does not know what time it is. I hate it when people do that.
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Kim: Otto made a comment about how easy it is to stand around and cut up meat. Easy? Easy?! There are over forty ways to slice beef alone!
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Kim: Damon and Kai are 100% dinguses, but also 100% sweet. You don't get that too often from cis guys.
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Kim: That meteorologist seems cool. I want to ask her to get coffee at Sophia's, but what if she thinks I'm hitting on her?
Tara: Would you be hitting on her?
Kim: No. I mean it! She just gives off good vibes.
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Kim: Seriously, you did an amazing job with the onsen, Tara.
Tara: You're welcome!
Kim: I was afraid we'd be the only ones using it, but I've seen other folks up there too. What a success!
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Kim: Angus is the most wholesome gamer I've ever met. We've started playing fighting games at his place on Saturdays. I always beat him. And he just grins and says, "You really got me, Kim!" I just wish he'd stop asking me to go to the Consciousness Center.
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Tara: Having fun, Kim?
Kim: Yep. There's nothing I love more than forced communal merriment.
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Kim: Sorry. I ate so much strawberry shortcake at the Summer Festival, I still have indigrestion. How was your first Summer Festival?
Tara: Oh, it was… eventful.
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Tara: Do you ever worry about your clothes getting… meat juice on them? They're so cute!
Kim: Nah, I keep an apron in the back for messy projects. But it's too hot to wear it all day!
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Tara: Kim, are you crying?
Kim: This town is the worst! I never should've come here.
Tara: What happened?
Kim: Someone threw red paint on the windows of my shop. I feel like someone is trying to run me out of town. You know, it's funny, I got an offer in the mail from someone who wants to buy my shop. If things like this keep happening... I don't know. Maybe I'll take them up on it.
Tara: Things will get better. I hope you stay, Kim.
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Kim: I feel badly for Marty.
Tara: Why?
Kim: Opening a livestock ranch right next to Thomas? Yikes. I hope for his sake he plans to let his animals graze freely… And that he has a plan to deal with all that manure so the runoff doesn't affect Thomas's soil.
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| Kim: It shouldn't be possible to have a drought on an island. An island. Surrounded by water.
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Kim: Sophia told me that Juliet thinks I'm 'cool.' Which is honestly very sweet. Oh no, am I becoming a kid person? I need to process this.
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Kim: I like the direction Francis and Angus are going for their wedding. No religious ceremony, no hosting family from out of town, no twee flower arrangements wrapped in twine or whatever. Just the important stuff.
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Kim: Every Fall, when it started getting cold, my mom and me would snuggle up under a blanket and watch old movies.
Tara: Do you wish she was here?
Kim: Kinda. I wish we could just chill and watch movies, the way we did when I was little. But it's hard to do that when you didn't grow up to be the person she expected.
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Kim: Mmmm. It's pumpkin spice season.
Tara: But isn't pumpkin spice-
Kim: Do not say 'basic.' Pumpkin spice is delicious, okay? That's just science.
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Kim: Don't tell anybody, but I thought about running for mayor.
Tara: Wait, what?
Kim: Yeah, I'm still new. The timing's not right. But Otto and Marty - what kind of choice is that?
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Kim: Vanessa is so sleek. Like a freaking cheetah. She comes in sometimes for seitan and I always stare at her clothes. They're not my style, but she wears them so well. Maybe I'll have that kind of confidence someday.
Tara: You act like you already do!
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Tara: Wow. It smells like bleach in here.
Kim: That's exactly what it is. Working with raw meat means I gotta wipe down my surfaces all the time. I'd rather get food poisoning than have one of my customers get sick.
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Kim: Sometimes Shelby comes in here and buys chuck roast. I asked him what he's cooking in his cauldron out there-
Tara: What cauldron?!
Kim: The one out by his cabin. Chill, Tara. He said, "Goulash, of course!" Fascinating brain on that guy.
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Kim: Hey, do you know if Amira has a favorite cut of meat?
Tara: Uh… that hasn't come up. Why?
Kim: Uh. No reason.
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Kim: My dad sent me an email to ask how cold it was getting in Foghaven. I know he was trying to be nice… but Foghaven, dude? Really?
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Tara: Hi Kim. How are things?
Kim: Great, actually! Wow, I don't think I've ever actually said that. But I've got a steady supply of produce, my customers are happy, and I'm not sweating all over the deli slicer any more! Things are, well, awesome!
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Kim: That was a nice wedding. Weddings usually give me the hives, just like, everyone trying to outdo each other on social media. Like your marriage is somehow going to be better if you have 500 mason jars filled with fairy lights.
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Kim: Juliet played so well at the wedding! It's the best live music we've had around here since Parker stopped giving harmonica 'concerts' in the bar.
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Kim: What the frog is wrong with Natalia? Witches are not a thing!
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Kim: I'm happy for you and Amira. I really am! But…
Tara: Oh, no. Did I butt in? I'm so sorry, Kim.
Kim: No, no, I'm not looking for a relationship right now… and she clearly is… or was… You make each other happy. That's the most important thing. (if Tara is dating Amira)
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Kim: I hope that trial was the last time anyone brings up witches. Come on.
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| Kim: I've been using this app that teaches me useful or pretty Japanese words. You know… stuff my dad didn't yell at me or at the line cooks. Yesterday the word was 'kogarashi.' It means 'the cold at the beginning of winter.' I can feel it happening. Fall is almost over.
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Kim: I was happy to take the Winter Feast off of Sophia's plate. No pun intended. I don't know what Natalia and the rest of them thought would happen. You can't just single someone out like that.
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Kim: Everyone's just moved on like that Witch… Malcontent… whatever trial didn't happen. But I just can't get over it. Who knows who might be accused next.
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Kim: I still don't know who left me those notes trying to scare me off when I first moved here. And then last Spring, I got this offer to buy my shop. I wasn't going to take them up on it. But now I'm wondering if I should cut my losses and go.
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Kim: Juliet hasn't been coming round as much as she used to. I think she's upset that no one really stood up for her mom. I should have been brave enough to say something. I was just worried that they would turn on me next and then Juliet would have no one.
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Kim: Francis asked me about like, staging an intervention with Angus about his membership in Cameron's Consciousness Center. I don't think Angus sees it as a problem. And I'm definitely not getting in the middle of THAT.
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Kim: Well, I'm guessing the hot springs are about to get more popular!
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Kim: I was on my way to the onsen and Amira and Giva walked by on snowshoes! I'm sure it was just like a friend thing, of course. It's not like Amira's going to throw you off just because a cute new girl moved to town. (if Tara is dating Amira)
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Kim: Bruno doesn't like to talk about it, but I can tell he's really worried about Otto. Must be strange for your kid to suddenly be someone you don't recognize anymore.
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Kim: Is it just me, or has Vanessa seemed kind of wound up lately? She's usually so put together and cool as a cucumber. Maybe Otto's whole neighborhood watch thing freaks her out too.
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Kim: I love shiitake. Nothing like an umami burst to keep the cold away.
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Tara: You did a really great job organizing the Feast, Kim.
Kim: Thanks. It felt really weird having it without Sophia and Juliet there. And you know what really bugs me? No one else seemed to even mind that they didn't come!
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Kim: I can't believe Marty's been accused of being a Malcontent now. I mean, I totally can believe it. If anyone in this town is sus, it's Marty. It would just really suck to lose my main source of product now. Especially with the ferry out of commission.
Tara: What an incredibly sympathetic take, Kim.
Kim: I'm sorry. But it would!
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Kim: The ferry being out has made Francis even more anxious than usual. I've never seen him like this! I'm sure it doesn't help that his husband accused Marty of being a Malcontent. But I'm worried that he might be headed for a real meltdown if he doesn't find some way to relax. I've even tried dragging him to the onsen once or twice.
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Kim: I think I made too much food for the Winter Feast. I've been eating leftovers for days. I've made beef stew, beef empanadas…
Tara: Are you trying to make me hungry right now?
Kim: Sorry.
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Kim: Juliet said something about Vanessa accusing her of cheating on a math test. Like Juliet or Sophia need more scrutiny from the Softs right now. I hope this blows over.
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Kim: Juliet and Sophia have been fighting over Juliet's curfew lately. I get Sophia's point. There's definitely weird stuff going on around here at night. But she's gonna push Juliet away if she doesn't loosen the leash a little bit. I speak from experience here.
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Kim: Honestly, when the ferry comes back online, I might take a vacation. A long one. I need to see my family. Or like, just any people who don't live on this island.
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Kim: When I was a kid, my mom would take me along to a hot pot restaurant with her friends in the Winter. They were all so happy, laughing and chatting while steam blew in their faces…
Tara: Why don't you eat hot pot here?
Kim: Because hot pot for one is the most depressing thing.
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Kim: I wore a hole through my last good hoodie. It's a super-specific kind of sadness.
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Kim: My store is a few degrees colder than everyone else's because I don't want the meat to spoil. It's rough in Winter, though.
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| Kim: Every Winter, I get this urge to dye my hair electric blue. Or maybe orange. Colors are just more muted during this time of year.
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Kim: Bruno's really going through it now that the truth about Otto is out, huh? I've been giving him some of my best cuts of meat. I feel like a cat leaving dead animals on the doorstep.
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Kim: The grass is growing, the flowers are blooming… and that means my allergies are back. Ugh.
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Kim: I still can't believe what Juliet went through. She's such a trooper. Sophia should be proud, having a kid like that.
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Kim: Spring is way more chill now that Gloria is the mayor. Wow, I can't believe that things are more chill after someone we all thought had disappeared just… shows up again…
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Kim: I wonder if Vanessa left any of her clothes behind? I could stretch out some of her pantsuits, maybe rip them up a little…
Tara: Kim.
Kim: Okay, okay. No fashion larceny.
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Kim: The place I came from before this was much bigger, too. It takes some getting used to.
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Kim: Thanks for coming in. Hopefully it'll get the ball rolling with other customers!
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Kim: I would ask you to stop by the shop more often, but you're so cute I would get distracted while using the deli slicer. (dating)
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| Kim: Babe, one of my suppliers called me earlier and he thought I was a teenaged boy and asked to speak to my manager. Like, I don't know if I should be flattered or mad? (dating)
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