the shoeshiner existing IS a consequence. it’s a comforting direction to the story because now we have another character who knows of ludia’s past outside of lyrica, and will not forgive her easily.
the family members are already aware of ludia’s past to an extent, and ludia herself is open about her having been a terrible mother to lyrica. but considering the fact that they’re seeing her improved state, i think it’s reasonable for them be protective and defensive on her behalf. the past cannot be undone, what matters is what she’s doing now to change it. but now no matter what she does, there will be consequences now (like the shoeshiner and him not liking her).
wait im asking bc i'm genuinely forgetting--did ludia ever like actually talk abt the abuse towards lyrica to someone other than lyrica???
I'm not gonna say I hate the mother cause Claude is WAY WORSE, but man I do wish she did get some consequences sometimes. Everyone keeps shushing the shoeshiner and I feel like they should actually listen to him. He's an information broker, stop ignoring him for god's sake, he's the guy that gets you the most power!