"Hey, what are stars?"
"Stars? They're dust in the sky. They look pretty, but they're not much use."
"Huh? Why?"
"Stars don't shine on their own. They reflect sunlight. They're just chunks of rock, all discarded things."
"Ah, they're so weak."
"Well, there are lots of them. At night, they sparkle, so you're not quite as afraid. They're not as dazzling as the moon, just dim stones, but they... how should I put it? They stick together. They're not ashamed of who they are."
"Like the people outside the church?"
The black-clad nun ignored the screams outside the church and stroked the girl's head. "You're seven this year. It's time for you to go out. I don't need to tell you what it's like out there. Whether you survive is up to you. But no matter what, you should understand that you're from Meteor City. Though the truth is enough to make anyone say 'mmp,' this place will always be where you grew up..."
"What does 'mmp' mean?"
"Oh, a bad kid like you doesn't need to know that. Do you understand everything I've said?"
"Mm. I understand. Once I'm out there, I'll try hard to be a bad kid so I can survive."
"Most importantly..."
"I'm from Meteor City."
