[She's crying, and Kaede feels so helpless. If only she knew the right thing to say, or the right tune to play. If only she had brought back enough of the hovering treats, if only she'd been there to add another voice to convince everyone, if only she'd been strong enough to convince the Director how important it was--

If only, if only. Kaede keeps making mistakes, and people keep dying for it. Her vision swims with tears, and she swallows hard against them, sniffling them back.]

Y-yeah. Everyone did their best. A-and we'll keep working really hard... so we'll do even better next time. I'm sure of it-

[Her voice breaks, and she lets out a little noise, squeezing her eyes shut. She wishes she could be sure of it. It's hard not to think of the destruction of Vista Virs when they're surrounded by this much rubble, by this many dead. If only she were stronger, more persuasive. If only she were better, she'd have the right thing to say to make Sayori smile.]