Average family games:

The person who makes others uncomfortable wins!

Donovan wants to be undefeated in this game

Forger Family: We are a fake family, with no feelings, everything is a cover for appearances, and we don't care about each other's welfare:

Familia Desmond: ...... Ehhhhh.... Well

Well... They have the last name, don't they?

SxF ·Mission 38 · · · Is he the final boss?

Context:

After Loid Forger in false search for his daughter's lost keychain, he not only made contact with Damiand Desmond, apologizing for the incident of the past. He manages to get in contact with his target for the first time, Donovan Desmond.

The appearance of Donovan Desmond

I think it goes without saying that Donovan is a mysterious and strange guy, not only because of his strange look, but also because everything in his body language is difficult to interpret. Twilight explains that despite his thorough research he has not found anything relevant enough to create a "profile" of Donovan's personality. However, the objective of the Strix mission is to uncover "the war plans

If Twilight and Yor have a "twinge," it's because something bad is happening with these people.

Interestingly, both Desmonds use the same strategy of "ignoring" in a seemingly polite way, minimizing the fact that their son was beaten. Donovan himself explains that he knew about the fight because his employees informed them, which coincides with Melinda's version. However, both do not seem to want to make a big deal out of the matter, making the apology unnecessary.

Parenthood is… difficult

Is it necessary to describe how sad this page is? The fact that Damiand tries to disguise his pain by saying "it's a foul against the Desmond family name," when his real pain is seeing that his father doesn't care if someone beats him. Without needing to be so explicit, Donovan made it clear that Damiand's integrity is not a priority in the face of his busy political agenda. Clearly, for both Desmonds, continuing to talk about Damiand generates so much discomfort that they get these "inexplicable" expressions of displeasure.

Worst of all, Damiand is paralyzed with fear by the look on his father's face, and decides to swallow his feelings and act as if "it doesn't matter".

It's curious to me, Twilight's serious expression in those panels because his thoughts aren't showing. I know he's obviously sensing how distant Donovan is from his son, but also, I have a feeling he may be feeling uncomfortable watching a father hurt and ignore his own son's feelings.

Perhaps it is too far-fetched to speculate whether this will bring about emotional conflicts in him like those he once had with his own father, influencing their own paternal vision of which I have spoken in the past

It is precisely when Twilight takes the opportunity to confess something that in reality "is true". For him, being a father has not been easy, learning to understand another human being has been a constant process of trial and error. I know he is taking advantage of this moment to extend the conversation with Donovan, but curiously, Twilight did not seek to agree with Desmond and congratulate him on his parenting method as Melinda's friends have done, or as any ordinary civilian would surely do.

It's as if Twilight is looking for a way to debate Donovan's arguments and show that he disagrees, but in such a subtle and polite way, that it feels unnoticeable. Contributing his point of view, when in reality he is demonstrating that Damiand's feelings have validity and that as parents they should be accountable to anything to do with their children., gently placing his hand on Damiand's shoulder

This confession, however, catches Donovan's interest and he ends up expressing, this:

It is impossible to understand strangers

It seems that according to Donovan, even if people have blood affinity or any other intimate bond, they will never be able to understand each other.

Will people ever understand each other?

If anything, I find it interesting how SxF manages to link such different concepts and make it one, how the parent-child relationship can be an analogy of peace and war.

However, Twilight makes a point to Desmond: Sometimes perfect communication between human beings sounds like an impossible ideal, a utopian world where people can express themselves and agree. From this point of view, peace sounds implausible. Making war the only viable option, imposing your ideals, ambitions and beliefs on the world, so that only one way of thinking reigns.

At the same time, Twilight's words demonstrate a very important lesson:

Communication between human beings should not be ideal or perfect, it is a matter of keep trying and never give up. There will be moments of frustration, it will be difficult and we feel that we should give up or just impose ourselves in a rough and violent way. But, striving to build a good relationship is what can lead us to grow and be better.

There may be parents like Donovan or Melinda, who prefer to turn their backs on their children and act as if they did not exist or were so insignificant as to spend their time on them; or parents like the one Twilight had, people who try to give good lessons, but instead of listening and explaining themselves, they prefer to resort to more aggressive methods to impose their point of view, attacking their children's emotions.

But, there will also be parents who try to be better with effort: It's amazing what a good father Twilight becomes, even if he doesn't realize it himself.

He always tries to understand Anya, even if he doesn't succeed. Sometimes he gets consumed with frustration and becomes somewhat harsh with her, but he has never tried to assault or hurt, let alone minimize her emotions. He was willing to almost-punch a professor for making her cry even if the entire mission was in jeopardy.

Obviously, Twilight is not going to pass up this opportunity to alter reality, and make it seem that his interest in Damiand and thus in his family are mere coincidence, and it is partly because of Anya's (false) admiration for Damiand.

Apparently, Donovan's response was positive, enough to "memorize" Loid Forger's name. However, their retreating glances indicate suspicion, it seems that Donovan is just as intrigued by this psychiatrist.

In the end, we can see the Forger's words affecting Damiand, him as a father manifesting his efforts to understand his daughter, and Anya having the courage to confront her father despite not meeting his expectations. Filling Damiand with enough courage to speak to her father. Although Donovan's approval is mediocre, poor Damiand settles for these crumbs of affection.

It's interesting, the way Twilight always wants to act as the spy, the cold and calculating man, the heartless one with no feelings. But, in this chapter he shows a subtle but evident empathy towards Damiand despite having no reason to do so, after all, even though he is the target's son, his priority is to gain Donovan's sympathy. He encourages Damiand, giving him comfort and respect for his feelings, as he gives him one last look before leaving. Although he has not really been close to Damiand, these brief moments made him understand a little of his suffering, and although this can be used for the mission, it shows that deep down, Twilight is that emotional man he has wanted to bury.

My conclusions:

Does Demond have a past?

So, if the Forger family in an analogy to the search for peace, communication, learning, empathy and support that different people can give each other, building a family. The Desmonds may represent the opposite pole, a family that seeks war, they are distant, cold and without any interest in what happens between them.

This analysis was a request from my friend @shiro-s2e2-erukinzu I hope you enjoy it.

You can see the first part here

Let me know if you want me to review any chapter!

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What did you think?

SxF · Mission 37 Is he evil boss?

Context:

At the beginning of chapter 37, we are introduced to the Eden academy, which will have a meeting with the Imperial academics, so the security protocols are much stricter. It is explained that these meetings are made up of academics and their parents, and are held twice a year. Most of the children who attend this school are represented by parents who are political and financial figures of the nation, being the dome of power in Ostania. The building is surrounded with high security, as a way to protect all these figures

As expected, Twilight, Westalis's top spy is on the scene, disguised as a professor. Analyzing the situation carefully. Twilight tells us that in the past other agents from the west have attempted to infiltrate, but each of these attempts has failed, causing the security of the academy and possibly the SSS itself to become more stringent.

Twilight analyzes the architectural design of the school, coming up with a way to escape. But strangely enough, Eden Academy is a fortress designed to be nearly impenetrable. Which is curious, it is understood that by having so many figures of power, the possibility of an attack in post-war times is possible. However, it is still convenient for the school to be a protective wall for these mysterious meetings to take place.

Now why not kill Donovan Desmond?

This is the second time Twilight has hinted that killing Desmond would be an easier mission. Since there would be many ways to do it without raising so many suspicions, or he could just forcefully barge in and kill him on the spot. But, the Strix mission is made up of entering Desmond's circle and finding out his plans. All this leads me to several concerns.

Perhaps The Spies know this information but it has not been exposed for the convenience of the plot, and Endo only shows us what he considers appropriate depending on the point where the plot is located. Similar to Melinda, Twilight knew about her, but until now they hadn't considered her a given for not having a way to contact and approach her. Surely they were unaware that she had a "mothers club", since at no time did they consider sending Fiona to join them, until Yor "accidentally" met her. So it is difficult to know how much information WISE has and how much it does not know.

The fact that Twilight fulfills side missions, having to keep the family cover happy and perfect, but nothing suspicious, added to the fact that his planned attempts to approach the Desmonds have had more failures, and few successes. They show that the Strix mission has many closed roads. As Twilight explains, pretending to be a figure of power is a dangerous cover, and pretending to be the father of an Imperial academic would easily lead to exposure. It leads to Loid Forger being the best mask with which to approach Donovan, but the fact that Loid is an ordinary man, with any life and family, so that no one suspects them, they also prevent him from approaching. Donovan has no reason to approach any man as his fame precedes him.

Demetrius Desmond

When Damiand remembers the call he had with his brother, we can notice very important details. Damiand looks nervous, and seems to carefully measure his words, as if trying to sound natural. But, on the other hand, Demetrius sounds distant and somewhat "cut" in the way he responds, as if he doesn't have the time or the interest to communicate with his younger brother. Although we can assume that Damiand is relatively close to his brother, since he has mentioned him on previous occasions and seems to have him in mind, it is not seen that it is a relationship of natural affection. Basically, Damiand looks intimidated by what his brother represents and that is why, although they are closer compared to their parents, their relationship as brothers is not that good either.

Interestingly, Demetrius seems closest to Donovan. While both parents don't seem very interested in their children, Demetrius is able to communicate with his father and deliver a message, which even Damiand can't. So Demetrius works as an intermediary for both parties, and does not seem to have the intention of taking care of his brother's emotions, because he himself emphasizes to him how busy his father is and that he better not delude himself with having even a little time to spend

When we return to the present, I see some parallels with chapter 66.1 see that Damiand's bad attitude, his arrogance, and his cruel words are just ways of draining his frustration with other people. He feels deeply hurt to see that his father and mother do not take him into account at all, becoming non-existent. Adding to the number of people who approach him only because of his last name, not because they really value him as a person. This triggers his cruel and bullying personality at school, when he is clearly a kid drawing attention he doesn't get at home, and takes out his frustration on others.

Agent Twilight and Agent Starlight in action.

Unlike Twilight Anya does not have advanced analysis and observation skills, she has her telepathy, which becomes much more effective, but with less control. She looks for a way for Sy-on-boy not to give up on seeing her father, because Anya wants to be useful to her dad, getting contact with the target, obtaining peace and with it, making Twilight want to stay with her forever.

And this becomes more sincere when Anya expresses her insecurity. She doesn't really understand Twilight's mind or feelings. And how to blame her? That man cannot understand himself, much less her, especially, reading a mind as complex and emotionally closed as Twilight's, who is always in a constant debate on being a good husband/father, and spy, savior of peace. , etc… and hardly comes out of so many problems unscathed.

I find it great that the detail of the sheep keychain is not only a filler chapter, or a Becky and Anya chapter, but that it manages to have a role in the plot.

Later on, Twilight manages to meet up with Damiand with an armed excuse of "my daughter's keychain is lost".

What a dramatic performance Twilight, but I guess if you wanted to get noticed, you got it. The father cover "I can't admit disgrace like that" is perfect for you.

In retrospect:

Perhaps it's too early to talk about Demetrius when he hasn't made his true appearance, and it's hard to tell if his relationship is as distant with his parents as Damiand is. So I'm going to speculate with this theory:

Now, I think I speak for the entire fandom when I say that "modern parenting techniques" is just a fallacy to cover up that they obviously don't care what happens to their children, at least with Damiand. So why have children? I think the most logical answer is because society, and the values ​​that the conservative parties defend, the family nucleus for what they wanted or not the Desmonds should have children.

But why have two?

I apologize if this sounds extremely cruel, for poor Damiand. But his parents make me believe that deep down they didn't want to have him. Maybe this isn't personal, and they just don't relate to parenting, but they was forced by social issues.

Could it be that Damiand was not a planned child? Or maybe it was, but it was conceived for a superficial purpose? Many people have the ridiculous idea that "the more children a family has, the happier it is." So it would not surprise me if the Desmonds, being a family so mysterious and hidden from society, but depending so much on their social and political image, decided to have two children to create the illusion that they are a "conventional and happy family" . But behind the curtain, they are actually neglectful parents with little empathy and genuine appreciation.

Moving on to another point:

This is an analysis in two parts, of chapter 37 and 38. And it was a request from my friend @shiro-s2e2-erukinzu Thank you for this request, I hope you like it!! I am open to any suggestion you have if you want me to analyze something chapter of the manga!

You can see the second part here

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What do you think?

SxF Theories #2 · · · Shadow Government

Context:

Although, from the beginning of the manga it is repeatedly explained to us that Yor is a hitwoman who is specifically hired by Shopkeeper, who assigns "specific clients" to whom she must "serve". But it is not until mission 44, when we have more precise information. Although, Garden is still a mystery, I will try to string together the elements that caught my attention throughout the manga to arrive at this theory:

According to what was said in Twilight and Franky's conversation in this same chapter: Garden is an organization of assassins that is in charge of "purging" those who are considered "traitors of the fatherland" in Ostania, and who work directly for the government of the shadows:

Having all this context we can move on to chapter 44. After having the physical appearance of Shopkeeper, a man whose appearance is of a "gardener" who meticulously takes care of his garden who is about to assign Yor, his best assassin, the mission to protect Olka Gretcher and her youngest son.

Here, Shopkeeper gives us very little but very, very important information:

Olka is the only survivor of the family because her father, the head of the family, her two brothers and her husband were killed. This was the Family that managed the underworld for years honorably (from Shopkeeper's perspective). She and her baby are the last survivors

Shopkeeper, explains that the man, the current leader who seized control of the underworld (The man with glasses and a lock of hair) and is responsible for this division. Now he is after the Olka head and that is why he hired assassins from inside and outside of Ostania. Which implies that there is a third country at stake and that some murderers may come from this same country. Shopkeeper explains to Yor that he had a close relationship with Mr. Gretcher and because of them he feels the need to protect Olka.

I think the most important thing to note is that very possibly the shadow government is made up of the figures that control the black market, organized crime, arms trafficking, etc. Its jurisdiction covers everything that represents the crime of the shadows that is hidden from the outside world. Basically, criminals who never want to come out into the open or be openly wanted by the police. Ghosts of society.

In contrast to the SSS, who is directly related to public figures, politicians and attack threats that are made known to the entire society: like spies, who are openly wanted and denounced by civilians at the slightest suspicion. For this reason, the Garden agents themselves fear being caught by the police since it would expose their identity, that of the organization and of course they would make known the world that exists covered by darkness.

Possibly many figures of power are related to these movements under the table. But, the difference is that this should never come to light, and thus maintain a complete image in society, whether involved in crime, trafficking or secret experiments (similar to those that gave rise to Anya and Bond)

…Is that the name of the scientist with glasses?

I don't know if you have noticed, since I see that very few people have talked about this… but… during the trip on the Cruise we were mentioned three times the name (either a code name or real name) of "Hapoon", referring to the one who is leading all those assassins and who is the one who hired the terrorist they were looking for Olka. In fact, the latter mentions that "Hapoon would be very pleased with the idea that the bombs looked like a Westalis attack to frame this country"

I believe that:

There is only one way for crime to coexist in a functional way and that is through "Rules"

Olka refers to her life of her family as that of gangster and the dangerous life they had to live, until eventually her husband and his entire family were killed, leaving her alone with her baby and the desire for a quiet life. This means that crime works through hierarchy: If the Gretcher family were the ones who were at the head of all these ramifications of groups, or they could be associated with other families and organizations, being high-caliber mobsters, and they were the ones who prevented these they will eventually fall into chaos over each other's personal ambitions.

These being one of the main threats that the groups that wish to revive the war between Westalis and Ostania had to overthrow in order to assume command and fill themselves with fortune. What the man with glasses (or Hapoon) did, and wanting to eradicate all traces of the Gretcher family to prevent them from trying to regain control.

This division evidently arose from each side's perspective on the war. Based on a division of interest of those who want to enrich themselves and fill themselves with power causing the resurgence of a warlike conflict between East and West; and those, whose financial interests are ruined by the collateral effects of war and because they may understand the seriousness and tragedy that it brings to the lives of many innocents (Garden seems to belong to the latter). This makes more sense when we remember the words of Mr. Grey, who reminds Olka that her family, who ran the black market, were feeding him and helping him survive during the war. For this reason he lives grateful to the old boss and wants to thank him by saving Olka.

Whether this is a recruitment strategy (offering them a chance at survival in exchange for working for them) or because they want to give genuine help to innocent people, they are clearly not in favor of more battles.

It may be that for all these reasons it is that Tendero refers to the Gretcher administration as "honorable", it was because they exercise sufficient control so that crime does not disturb the lives of normal civilians on a large scale, at least to the point of not reactivating a second war. For this reason, Mr. Gray refers to the opposing side as extremists, pro-war who directly enrich themselves from arms trafficking. Position that Director Mcmahon himself explains, who sees with contempt these other assassins who are negotiating with the integrity of all of Ostania as a simple business.

My possible theories:

Is there a connection to Donovan Desmond?

It makes me believe that Donovan's function has been to adsorb other companies that function as partners and financiers. Strengthening, not only the unitary party, but also being able to obtain resources for possible secret projects. And many of these power figures may be associated with Eden Academy based on their sons being Imperial scholars.

But what are these projects? Perhaps Donovan and Melinda could be associated and belong to the secret government, and with them, be allied with the scientist, Hapoon to resume the experiments and create acts of terrorism to incite both countries. Perhaps this organization can be represented by the symbol of the triangle with an eye? The jewelry that Melinda wears on her outfit

If so, maybe behind the war there is a whole association of various sectors that seek to control both government figures: The outside and inside.

This would make sense of all the moves that Donovan has had under the curtain, the reason why they are a family so closed to the rest of the world, but which in turn, create the fame of saving so many companies.

The antagonistic nucleus

If we think about it for a moment, if there is a connection between the radical division of the shadow government and the Desmonds (Either, just with Donovan, or Melinda, or both) having Hapoon as an ally, we are gathering the enemies/antagonists of the Forgers.

Having the Desmonds (Donovan and Melinda) as the enemies of WISE, therefore Twilight; The radical government sector of the secret: including criminals, murderers, and terrorists as enemies of the garden, of the shopkeeper, and therefore of Yor/Thorn Princess; and to the scientists, Hapoon as the creator of Anya and Bond, whose powers are key elements in an information war (Predict the future and read the mind of the enemy)

Leaving the SSS, the secret police in the middle of this battle. Which side are they on? (According to Endo) very few members know that Garden exists. So, it may be that most of the police officers arrest the spies, informants and they do not know everything that they hide in the background. So surely the SSS supports the governments that are exposed to society… But, will they also support the rulers of the underworld even though they know very little about their existence?

Although each of these elements is dispersed. There have already been little connections and implications, which give us the idea that something very dark is going on and that there is not just one person wishing the war to happen or not. So it wouldn't surprise me if the Forgers, as a family, represent the search for peace. The Desmonds (except Damiand) represent the search for war. Having in all this, a third card (The experiments) playing in the shadows

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What do you think?

SPY X FAMILY ·· Chap 66 ·· Melinda Desmond

··········Warning: This contains spoilers ············

In this chapter, which continues through a flashback. We can see several interesting elements. In further analysis I do mention the similarities I find in the character of Melinda with the character of Twilight, as I said, I'm not claiming that Melinda necessarily "is a spy" - although it may be possible. But she shows to have a quite interesting level of intellect and whose only difference is that in her, we don't see her POV, something that does happen with Twilight (Mainly because Anya reads her thoughts)

Breeding Methods:

As we had already suspected, Melinda is not exactly a mother "attached to her children." In a rather curious Twiyor parallel, we see that Donovan and Melinda's "happy" reactions gave both Twilight and Yor a "prick" in their respective encounters. We know very well that although Twilight and Yor are possibly the characters with the sharpest instincts when it comes to danger, and while many normal people will find these reactions "pleasant". For them it was an obvious "alert" signal. But, neither of them managed to decipher the true nature behind these strange faces that hide something.

Both parents sounded indifferent to the Forger parents' apologies for Anya's punch to their son, Damiand.

Both parents downplay the matter, taking it as "child's play." And when Yor insists on apologizing, what does she get?

Evidently, this is a subject that Melinda makes it clear that she "doesn't want to discuss." and it becomes more curious when you hear close friends mention that it is all about parenting principle: the Laissez Faire

However, for me and I think the whole fandom. This is probably more of an excuse to cover up their disinterest in raising their children. Obviously, if we take into account Dimitrius' apparent success as an Imperial scholar, and the Desmonds' influential image in society, no one questions this philosophy and sees them as "successful parents."

Now... Why are they so indifferent to their children?

There are multiple possibilities, from "not wanting to have children, but they did so because of their influential image, because they belong to a conservative party that follows the idea of the family canon to the letter"; "because their interest is focused on their respective jobs and political and social ambitions" or "because they consider that this supposed freedom will give their children the formation of character, since attachment is weakness"... Or all this happens simultaneously... Which results in how lonely Damiand is, his desire to be recognized for even the smallest crumb of affection or approval.

It may be because she "just didn't want to have them." She may have been forced to marry, due to issues of power, politics and social pressures, or she just didn't want Donovan's children... In that case, it seems that Melinda is more focused on her "own freedom" and not on the been her family

Circle of friendship

Imagine that Melinda's circle seems "impenetrable". They confirm that her current friendships are all those before getting married. But Melinda deliberately interrupts this conversation. She also comments that because of her status she doesn't have many friends: It's probably to avoid relationships with people who want to get something from her but also for security so that any spy doesn't try to get something from her.

And it reveals important details:

The omission of her identity:

In a supposed "white lie", Melinda confesses that she intentionally didn't mention his name. Because she is surely pondering Yor's reactions, from the moment she saved her. If this was a chance meeting, then Melinda was analyzing the reasons why Yor saved her. Did he do it because he knows who I am? Or did he just decide to do it? If she's as analytical a person as Twilight himself, then she could have instantly noticed that Yor was ignorant of who she was with, plus it was so easy to drag her into a match. In a very short time, Yor opened up to Melinda and showed her insecurities as a Mother, and being in a club with many other moms, possibly this woman noticed how "vulnerable" Yoru can be, despite her magnanimous strength.

There is something clear that all this leaves me and it is that: Melinda found in Yor something that "she wants or needs"

Although, there is a possibility that Melinda has an interest in being friends with Yor. She may also have an interest in "influencing her," other than ideas like "parenting, and political and social concepts." And she uses "friendship" as her means to get closer to her. I don't know if she does it specifically out of interest in Loid Forger's character (since we don't know how Donovan had described Loid in private) or if her interest is really in Yor.

Remember how Loid (Twilight) mentioned (lied) that Anya was very moved by Damiand's presentation regarding his parents' professions?

Although I know that Twilight has been a wonderful father to Anya, he is still a spy and will not miss these opportunities to "alter the truth" at his convenience. I wouldn't be surprised if Melinda in this scene played with this same strategy, of "using her son as a pretext" for a rapprochement. (Because obviously Anya doesn't talk about sy-on boy as a friend, she does it for the mission)

Her second look

I don't know if Melinda was trying to contain herself and she can't…or if this look has a subtext…if there is. I'm not sure which one it is.

Now, speaking a bit about the shopkeeper

I think the little that the shopkeeper made clear to us in this chapter is that his view of the Desmonds is... "derogatory." While not radical enough to forbid Yoru, his best assassin, from being friends with Melinda-a clear Conservative Party figure-he makes it clear with hints that he has his own reservations about this family...and can Whether or not this affects the future.

Shopkeeper may have foreseen that they will have to finish off the Desmonds if they discover more background to officially declare him "traitors". And that's when having a bond with them becomes risky. This could be an indirect way of telling us that Melinda (or Donovan) is in favor of the radical faction that took over the "secret government" and caused the division (which may be the same one in charge of the human/animal experiments of the scientist with glasses )

Now, Melinda may be directly involved with her husband, they may be pursuing their plans simultaneously, or she may be the one pulling the strings.

If this is so, it is possible that Melinda has also recognized Anya's name (because of the experiments) or as I said, her interest lies in Yor, her husband, or in the entire Forger family. Which would make some sense of her sudden interest in the two sons actually becoming friends.

The freedom of this woman

Another interesting idea mentioned by other very good posts is the idea that Melinda, despite being very intelligent, feels overshadowed in political power for being a woman. Although it seems strange to me that he manipulates Donovan because it is implied that they are not close, she may have strategies and plans independent of his. Socially, she has a lot of power, but at the same time she is very limited by not being able to have much contact with other people and is only limited to her social circle.

Maybe this is the cause that draws her so much towards Yor (personally). Yor is a common woman, with a common life (or so she appears) but she seems to have many more freedoms. In addition, she is incredible and imposes herself with her own physical power, althoung Yoru doesn't realize. Yor ir someone who attracts attecntion and people quickly realizes her potential, but is overshadowed by her insecurity and clumsiness

A chance encounter?

What we know so far is that Melinda is a mystery.

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What are you thinking?