In this world where feelings were less than important, the happiness mingled with that nameless emptiness was a clear example of what someone should be aware of, or at least make sure it doesn't fall out of the glass. It feels like drinking a glass of cocoa with sugar without adding hot milk; it's not good, but it tastes good even if you know it shouldn't be done that way. That's how you were born into the son of Rei Ayanami, the clone who had escaped Gendo Ikari's manipulation and was never able to complete Human Instrumentality.

Who knows, your mother was strange and empty in that flat, solemn apartment. Even though they were in another country, that memory of the apartment where you were born was present at every moment. Even the night made it stronger.

Now, in that silent moment, Rei hugged you from behind, holding you close. Her strange warmth and cold breath were from when she had held you in her arms; it felt so strange.

"Mom loves you, did you know that?" She said as her hug brought you closer to her.