[ Acceptance isn't something Ryoji feels he needs to push, because at least there's acknowledgement of words and what he hopes is the sentiment he means to convey. At the praise, he beams, pleased that his words reflect well on his mother. Then he laughs, shaking his head, relaxed into the normal exchange of conversation for all the tension that continues to build up in Gladio. ]

I think she would be. But she'd also call me philosophical and say the answer's no, because sound is the reception of vibration and interpretation by the brain, dependent on a person being there to hear it.

[ The recitation comes with a slight lilt of his voice in imitation of his mother whom he once posed the question to and received the scientifically correct answer. A researcher who liked numbers and facts, but dabbled in theories of the universe where such things have less a place than with trees and sound waves. ]

She always liked discussing things. So did I. Because communication is the basis for understanding and growth, and no one can really live alone, after all.