[Video]

[silvering]

[Jem appears on the network at sunset. He's in his room with his face turned towards the window. There is a smile on his face. He had originally been going to ask a question. What comes out instead is song and it's sung in Chinese, rather than English.]

At the end of the sky, at the corner of the earth, my friends are half scattered there.
A ladle of unstrained wine ends the rest of my merriment, after tonight parting I wait for a chilly dream.
Beside the ancient path by the farewell pavillion, the bluish green of beautiful grasses stretches far into the sky.
Evening breezes sweep willow branches, broken tunes from bambo flute, sunset behind the silhouette of mountains.

[He bites his lip as it ends. With an effort he switches back to English.]

I am sorry, that was unintended. I was thinking of my friends at home. It sounds better played.

[Jem picks up his violin and with ease plays out the simple, sad melody.]

Comments

( v i d e o )

[yourbestguysgun]

You okay there, kid?

[ Because that was a bit mournful. ]

[silvering]

[Jem half smiles at being called a 'kid'. It is friendly, unlike the Lightwoods who meant it as an insult.]

I am, thank you. I did not mean to worry anyone with the music.

[yourbestguysgun]

Nah, you're fine. Just y'know, checking in. You're new?

[silvering]

I am, I have only been here a month. The time has flown by while I grow accustomed to the more modern aspects of life.

[He smiles.]

I had my first doughnut yesterday.

[yourbestguysgun]

Doughnuts are swell.

[ He offers up a grin. ] So, you're not like the modern masses, huh? Hang in there, it gets easier.

[silvering]

[Jem smiles back.] I am enjoying being surprised by modern items every day.

When are you from?

[yourbestguysgun]

Don't do what I did kid. [ A huff of a laugh. ] Ended up putting a bullet in the coffee machine my first week here 'cause it startled me.

1943.