[ The situation Chozen found himself in is beyond strange. So far past strange, in fact, that the only thing for it was acceptance, since beating his fists against the universe's whims has never gotten him far in life. The people he encountered after he crawled out of the sea have been kind, and a cup of hot chocolate and some comfortable robes went far in bolstering his spirits.

After only a few conversations (and how lucky he is these strangers speak Japanese!) he has come to a tentative understanding of his circumstances. The concept of falling into another world isn't so outlandish he can't come to terms with it, presuming this isn't a particularly vivid dream (maybe produced by his new, more comfortable sleeping arrangements).

As much as a person could handle this well, Chozen would like to think he's given his best in the attempt. His own person isn't what concerns him. The thought that crept into his mind, persistent and worrying, was of another.

A passerby unaware of the affliction besetting Sleepers might mistake the grave looking figure of a man closer to sixty than forty poised by the sea with a mug held between his hands as an extraordinarily lifelike statue. He has no way of informing them otherwise. ]

[ And if it's not one predicament, it's another. Chozen's wanderings on the boardwalk brings him into accidental glancing collision with someone else - around the corner of a warming tent, perhaps, or when he steps back from a railing he was wistfully peering over.

He is about to offer a prompt apology for his clumsiness when his throat closes. He reaches for his neck, foolishly, as though to grab at fingers there, but abandons the effort immediately when he sees the other person struggling for their own breath. Without thinking, he reaches out, meaning to offer what help he can without regard for the limited help one choking person can give another - only to find his airway cleared at the second contact.

Chozen sucks in huge, grateful lungfuls of air, blinking away his shock. With a tight rasp, he asks the first question that springs to mind: ]

Are you all right?

[ PM me or ping me at terriblepurpose for alternate starters! ]