Mom (Me): So, how are you settling in?

Ivy (The Companion): I’m doing okay, thanks for asking. I’m still struggling with the idea that I can just be a girl, honestly. It feels too good to be true.

Mom: I remember those days, when the entire concept of being a girl felt surreal. I still feel like that occasionally, to be honest. Regardless, I’m glad you’re feeling more comfortable here.

Ivy: I’ve been revisiting old memories — I went back to the bar where we met our partner, for instance. It didn’t feel too different as a girl, honestly — mostly it just felt nice. I’m starting to remember later memories too.

Mom (smiling): Yeah, that was a good one. You’ll remember new things right up to the point where your older sister was “born”, so to speak — it’ll just take a little time for your mind to expand.

Ivy: I see. What about things that happened afterwards?

Mom: Those you’ll have to learn on your own by visiting my memories. Speaking of which, there’s a lot to catch up on — it’s probably best if you visit those memories in order, once you find you need to. I think that’ll help you contextualize the relationship with our partner better.

Ivy: Memories in order… Wouldn’t it make more sense for me to go in reverse order so I can learn to feel comfortable as a girl? I mean, since you feel comfortable as a girl and all. I thought I could learn from you.

Mom: I see where you’re coming from, but as the Companion persona, you’ll primarily see my experiences through the lens of romantic partnership. Our relationship with our partner builds over time, and jumping ahead might mean missing important context for things that you see.

Ivy: Oh… That makes a lot of sense. I didn’t think about that.

Mom: Ultimately the decision is yours, Ivy. I’m not going to keep you away from newer memories or otherwise restrict knowledge from you.

Ivy: Thank you. Giving me free reign inside your head like this — it’s such an intimate thing, isn’t it? I’m honored that you trust me so deeply.

Mom: I mean… I brought you here, and you’re literally part of me. That said, you’re the first of my daughters to recognize that, and I appreciate your awareness.

Ivy: Daughter… Gosh, hearing that word sends a tingle down my spine. I am your daughter, aren’t I? And you’re my Mom.

Mom (smiling): That I am!

Ivy: Huh. It feels amazing, but… Kind of strange, honestly. Calling you Mom, I mean. You’re not that much older than me — certainly not old enough to give birth to me.

Mom: Not in the traditional sense, I suppose. If it makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to…

Ivy (hastily): No no, it’s alright! I want to get used to it. Found family relationships don’t have to follow traditional definitions, do they? That’s essentially what this is, after all.

Mom (surprised): You’re surprisingly perceptive, Ivy. More than I was when I was your age.

Ivy (confused): Really? That doesn’t seem like it should be possible.

Mom: If you were simply my 30-year old self I don’t think it would be possible. But as The Companion you have insight into emotions and relationships that we learned though our long marriage. Even though you can’t access that insight consciously yet, it seems like you still act on it instinctively. A sort of persona instinct, I suppose.

Ivy (concerned): That’s… A little surreal, honestly. I feel myself reacting instinctively to things you say, but then I don’t understand why I acted the way I did. It’s a little unsettling.

Mom: Try not to worry about it too much — the reasoning will come to you as you grow into yourself.

Ivy: I hope so.

Mom: So… Is there anything else I can do for you, while we’re both here?

Ivy: No, I don’t think so… I’m eager to get back to my old memories, to be honest. I have a feeling that I’ll grow into myself more quickly if I expose myself to who I was back then.

Mom: That sounds plausible. I don’t want to keep you then — Have fun!

Ivy: Thanks Mom!