Chapter Eight

Landing hard on the stone floor, the groaning and frightened small child heard heavy steps going back up the stairs before the door was slammed shut after them.

In panic the child ran up the stone stairs and pulled on the handle, but to their horror only finding it to be locked.

With the tears flowing, the child began to bash on the door with their tiny hands.

But nobody came.

Eventually the child simply gave up and collapsed down to their knees weeping. Their only light in this dark and cold place coming from under the tiny gap of the door.

The human suddenly woke up— surprised at feeling how the tears were running down her cheeks and the pillow being wet under her head.

A couple of gentle knocks were heard on the door, followed by the voice of a concerned goat-monster.

"Is everything alright, little one? May I come in?"

"It's ok," Frisk already had sat up and wiped her tears before Toriel peeked in, even adding a casual wave to her reply. "It was just some nightmare."

"Oh, hope it isn't a reoccurring one." Toriel walked in with her hands clasped together.

"Anyway, my real reason for coming here was to ask if you would like to join me in half an hour or so!" Toriel asked with that motherly smile of hers.

"Gladly!" Frisk smiled and moved so she sat on the edge of the bed instead.

"My poor child. You must have been terribly tired if falling asleep in those dirty clothes. I will advise you to use this time to clean yourself up. You may leave your clothes in the bathroom and I will wash them later. You will find spare clothes to use from the dresser and closet." Toriel reminded her.

"I will. Thank you so much— is that something burning?" Frisk sniffed the air.

"Oh my! Uh, see you when you are ready!" Toriel closed the door and Frisk could hear the large feet rushing down the hallway.

When well out of reach, Frisk jumped up from her bed and looked around alarmed.

"…Chara?" Frisk asked out loud.

But nobody responded.

Where is she— wait, she might be physical still! And Frisk began looking for the most plausible hiding spots where the demon may be.

Under the bed there were only boxes, so that means there's only one logical place remaining.

"I do wonder where my demon is hiding…" Frisk sang and dramatically opened both doors to the closet.

"Aha, there she is!" Frisk smiled brightly at finding Chara sitting there squeezed in and just staring back with a cold expression.

Frisk however would have none of it and surprised the demon by moving an arm under the bent legs and the other behind her back and lifting her out bridal style.

"The hell are you doing?" Chara just looked at her dumbfounded.

"Helping you? You looked most uncomfortable in there." Frisk kept carrying her.

"I prefer to operate from the shadows. Although this was too literal for my liking." Chara mused.

Frisk giggled and found it very endearing that Chara is capable of jesting.

"I figured as much."

"My, someone wants to flex their strength," Chara suddenly took on her flirtatious nature and interlocked her arms behind Frisk's neck. "Perhaps they hope to impress their demon for something in… return?"

This was more than enough to make Frisk lose her composure and go completely red, for she merely had lifted her out like this for fun.

"What sinful thoughts are swirling inside that pretty little head of yours, Frisky?" Chara kept her momentum and dragged a claw across her unscathed cheek, an action which just made Frisk tremble even more nervously.

"I-I need to hurry!" Frisk rushed over to the bed and just dropped the demon on it, before quickly returning to the closet and rummaging for clothes to borrow.

The perfect cover for how flustered she had become.

Chara simply giggled and lied down sideways, resting her rosy cheek on her hand.

She didn't stay silent for long though when something seemed to be amiss.

"You went awfully quiet, dear?"

Frisk didn't reply, for she was stunned at finding her own mirror image on the inside one of the closet's doors staring back at her.

She looked like a mess. Dust and dirt all over her and the hair a complete crow nest. The sweater and shorts being a little ragged, though they already were so way before the fall.

With only her five feet and four inches, Chara was so much larger when her reflection stepped up close behind and placing the clawed hands on Frisk's delicate shoulders. Leaning in and saying cheerfully.

"It's you!"

Now I feel bad for sleeping in that bed while being in such a state. Frisk held her own arm ashamed and not wanting to look at her own reflection anymore.

Until she went absolutely red again when suddenly feeling and when looking up seeing the head taller woman's hands moving down along her waist and hips!

"A couple of sizes smaller than me… There should be something here which suits your needs." Chara's hands lingered on Frisk's hips too long before with elegance moving past her and took over rummaging through the closet.

Still stunned, Frisk silently took the pair of pants, a t-shirt and shirt that was handed to her.

"These will do."

"O-Ok…" Frisk nodded and stared down on the garbs.

But Chara soon looked at her questionable when she just kept standing there, fidgeting with them.

That's when a mischievous smile slowly appeared on the demon's lips, and she placed a hand on the human's lower back and began walking with her towards the door.

Frisk's cheeks immediately went flaming again when realizing what's was going on.

Or so she had initially thought, before Chara spoke up.

"Sadly I can't accompany you this time, Frisky. I require some time in private." Chara caressed her cheek and stared deeply into her eyes, before walking back and throwing herself down on the bed again.

Frisk's heart was pounding furiously, and was now trembling so much she barely could open the door— though did peek just in case Toriel might be around and spot her additional guest. But she didn't see nor hear the goat-monster being nearby, thus stepped out and closed the door after her.

Remembering where Toriel had pointed out the bathroom to be, the still trembling human walked down the hallway.

However, she couldn't stop feeling very disappointed that Chara wasn't joining her.

What's wrong with me…? Why didn't I insist— NO! We've only known one and another for some hours! And from there on it was like a thick haze began to lift from her mind.

When she found the bathroom and locking herself in, she just dropped the spare clothes to the floor to instead hold her head distraught.

What has she done to me?! This isn't my fault! It is Chara who is so goddamn forward and alluring with her dark powers and persona— no no NO! Frisk just grabbed a hold to the sink in utter confusion.

"P-Perhaps the shower will help me clear my thoughts." And instead started disrobe.

Though when the sweater had come off and the black sport bra as well, Frisk regarded the bandages wrapped around her left forearm and upper right arm as well. Before removing these too.

Seems Toriel's magic healed more than just my injuries from the fall. Frisk saw her naked self in the smaller mirror above the sink, eyeing the claw marks across her cheek that barely had begun heal.

Seeing that the shower being a little older model but nevertheless identical to those that humans use. Frisk started it and took her time to adjust it to the right temperature.

When perfect, she stepped in and immediately let out a content sigh. Looking up with closed eyes and just let the water wash away everything.

What perverted devilry has Chara cast on me…?

Frisk started cleaning herself by rubbing away some of the dirt from her face.

That was, until her fingers touched the claw marks.

Stopping to feel each one of them carefully, each gentle caress making her savor even more on the perplexing experience of having to endure such an unfathomable corruptive force of the supernatural. How Chara's mere touch had besmirched her very core with an unforgettable, otherworldly sensation.

Merely holding hands with such an entity had filled her mind with… quite the unethical thoughts, among… others.

It even had culminated with her allowing Chara, a literal demon, and with no practical resistance whatsoever from her part, hold her very soul…

A sudden but silent laugh escaped her lips, followed by yet another but this time louder, and another. This kept going on until Frisk just kept laughing when in hindsight looking back on the past hours spent with the demon.

Might as well offer my body while at it!

While the damage has already been done, she wondered if the water would do any harm to her soul if she summoned it in here.

So far she hasn't given anything consideration, so why start now!? Thus curiosity won over caution and a moment later the heart formed object emerged.

Its red brilliance beautifully reflected in the passing water, while Frisk examined the now wet soul thoroughly. But she was unable to detect anything appearing to be different about it.

Though she did gain the knowledge that it felt… good, when the hot water splashed and ran over it. Meaning it's sensitive.

A mischievous smile appeared on her lips, as she slowly raised it closer to the shower head.

Her breathing immediately intensified when feeling several tiny jolts of pleasure for each ray of water striking the soul's surface.

About twenty minutes later, Frisk returned to 'her room' with a towel wrapped around her still wet hair.

"That shirt looks better on you than I thought it would." Chara rolled over to the side and took in Frisk's appearance after she had closed the door.

"You think so?" Frisk shyly looked down on herself while walking over to the bed. Now dressed in a cream and lime colored striped shirt with a white t-shirt underneath and dark blue somewhat baggy pants, while the feet remained bare.

Frisk's breath however hitched when Chara sat up right in front of her and began smoothing out the shirt.

"It accentuates your body." Chara just stared up at her with those captivating red eyes and that lovely smile of hers.

Though Frisk didn't just see but more so felt how Chara's demonic eyes kept wandering back down to her chest area. It being noticeable that she wasn't wearing anything under the two upper garments.

"T-Thanks," Frisk stuttered, before trying to chance the subject. "Toriel didn't come and disturb you?"

"No. Which is good for it let me work in peace." Chara gestured for Frisk to sit down.

The human complied and sat down right next to the demon, curious what she was talking about.

"Hmm… you look refreshed." Chara suddenly changed the topic after eyeing her a little closer.

"It was a much needed shower. It lifted my spirits more than I thought it would." Frisk shrugged.

"Well you look much better with a shine, I admit." Chara smiled before raising her hand with the palm up.

"It's time for you to have the proper armament when nothing else works." And the hand suddenly was engulfed in a dark red aura with a black core.

A dark red large knife materialized out from thin air, levitating above it.

"See this as a… gift for daring to strike a bargain with me, and more." And the knife with its handle first floated over to Frisk.

The human carefully wrapped her fingers around it and it just felt perfect resting there in her hand.

Chara silently watched on with a grin, as Frisk with great curiosity examined the blade further. Testing its balance, flexibility and of course sharpness.

"It's beautiful— Hell! Sharp too!" Frisk jerked her hand back after accidently cut herself and seeing her blood now staining the blade and flowing down her finger.

While sucking on her finger, Frisk was fully aware that a blade of this specific type of design held only but one purpose for this world.

"I made it after your exact specifications." The demon had a most proud smile.

"I never told you what I prefer." Frisk pulled out her finger and just looking at her funny.

"I simply know these kinds of things." Chara grinned.

"While I understand the reasoning behind this gift. I will do my best to avoid it ever coming to that." Frisk lowered the blade to her lap.

"Thank you, Chara. You have been…" but suddenly her voice cracked and a couple tears splashed on the blade after giving it a second look.

"What's the matter?" Chara raised a brow.

"I… think this is the first time someone has gifted me anything," Frisk sobbed. "Even with the loss of my memories, I simply just know in my heart that is a fact."

Frisk felt a pair of arms wrap around and pull her into a warm embrace.

"Well, then I am even more happy you liked it." Chara spoke in her soothing voice and carefully removed the towel so she could drag her claws through Frisk's a little still damp hair.

The human just snuggled closer to the demon when she did so for the next couple of minutes.

"Not to spoil the moment," the demon spoke up after a while. "But you may want to go and see what that old monster wants. I rather not hide in that closet again if she comes searching for you."

"But I am so comfortable…" Frisk whined but nevertheless sat up straight.

"Frisk." And the sudden drowsiness was just like that gone by hearing Chara undertake a most serious tone.

"Always be watchful. The intentions of some aren't always clear or hidden under more than one layer of veils."

Is she implying that Toriel isn't all that she appears?

"I will. Thank you for the advice." Frisk thanked before rising up and walking over to the door.

Like before, she peeked out to see if Toriel were nearby. Apparently she wasn't, thus Frisk threw a look over her shoulder at the demon, who was busy with making herself comfortable on the bed again.

Frisk with a happy smile stepped out and closed the door after her.

The human with invigorated steps headed down the hallway and back into the large room. She figured that Toriel most likely is in the other end of the house, thus walking into the next room.

It was a living room. With a single large armchair next to a closed fireplace. Next to it along the same wall was large bookcase filled to the brim with thick tomes and books. An ordinary rectangle shaped dinner table with three chairs. Two similar sized ones and one smaller.

Seeing another open doorframe, Frisk walked over to it and saw the back of the goat-monster preparing something on the countertop.

Oblivious of being watched, Toriel hummed to herself as she worked on something at the countertop but a salivating aroma was thick in the air.

It was then Frisk suddenly remembered she was still carrying the knife in her hand.

When turning around, Toriel jumped back at finding the human standing there.

"Oh, you scared me! Hello, little one!" Toriel straightened her robes.

"You wanted to see me?" Frisk replied, while hiding knife behind her back.

Though the human's eyes remained locked at all times on the delicious looking pie that has been concealed by Toriel. First now reminded of how starved she actually was.

"Well, here is the other surprise! I baked you a butterscotch-cinnamon pie! I thought we might celebrate your arrival. But because I was not certain of what you preferred, so I decided to make one with both!" Toriel carried the pie with her to the living room and placing it on the table.

Frisk, while taking great care to conceal the large knife with her body, just promptly sat on one of the bigger chairs and barely could restrain herself from just throwing herself over the pie and consuming it like a rabid animal.

"My, you must be starving! Just a moment!" Toriel saw the look the human gave the pie, thus hurried back to the kitchen and brought with her two plates and utensils.

The very moment a big slice was placed on her plate, Frisk already with a fork and knife in hand threw herself over it and shoved big chunks into her mouth.

"Poor one! I had no idea you was this hungry!" Toriel only had gotten one bite before she rose up and cut another big slice for Frisk who had finished her first one already but kept staring after the rest of the pie.

With her hunger quenched somewhat after the first slice, Frisk ate now a little slower pace this next one. Though only a little bit.

"So what do you prefer? Cinnamon or butterscotch?" The goat-monster asked with a most happy tone after seeing how pleased Frisk seemed with her food.

"Uh, Cinnamon actually." Frisk replied after swallowing another too big bite.

"You do not dislike butterscotch, do you? I mean… Would you turn up your nose if you found it on your plate?"

"No, butterscotch is ok. Just prefer cinnamon." Frisk smiled and wolfed down another bite.

"Well, I thought we might celebrate your arrival. So I held off on snail pie for tonight."

Snail?! Who would be insane enough to…? And Frisk simply held out her tongue in disgust.

"Oh, do not dismiss something unless you've tried it first." Toriel giggled at her antics.

Again it downed on Frisk that only hours ago had she traversed the horrifying place that's the Ruins. Met many 'interesting' characters (to say the least) that she had no clue even existed in the world.

And now here she is, sitting in a cozy little home with one of these said monsters that have baked a pie for her to eat.

"I would like to get to know more about you, Toriel." Frisk asked after wiping her mouth with a napkin and looking up at the motherly figure.

"You want to know more about me? Well, I am afraid there is not much to say. I am just a silly little lady who worries too much!" Toriel replied and took another bite, still on her first slice.

"How about you, little one? Why did you fall down the hole?" Toriel got a more serious expression, which was a little uncharacteristic for the kind-hearted monster.

"To be honest… I don't even remember." Frisk replied sorrowfully.

"Oh, I am sure your memories will return eventually. What is important is that you are safe here in my care." Toriel began cutting another slice for herself.

Frisk however, was now just staring down into her empty plate lost in thoughts.

"Is there something on your mind, little one?" Toriel asked concerned when a full minute passed with Frisk just sitting there.

"As a matter, there is," Frisk put down her utensils. "So far every monster here in these so called Ruins has had some kind of shackles with chains around their necks?"

"Oh… about those…" Toriel entire posture sunk when Frisk brought this up.

Frisk however didn't relent, despite seeing the goat-monster gloominess.

"To me they appear to be some kind of slave collars. And if they are… That means there has to be a handler. And so far the only one lacking one is you." Frisk looked directly into Toriel's yellow eyes, while one hand already had moved closer to the knife's handle just in case.

Toriel just stared at her aghast, before letting out a deep sigh.

"Though I understand why you may draw that conclusion, I can assure you that I have no part in what… he has done." Toriel leaned back into the kitchen chair and get ready for what surely would be lengthy discussions.

"You are right. But these are far worse than being mere shackles," Toriel's expression went stoic. "They are some form of magic but which has been twisted and turned dark."

"Magic?" Frisk's ears perked up with interest.

"Yes, magic. All monsters have bodies made mostly out of magic that is attuned to our souls." Toriel explained.

"Is that why a monster turns to dust when it… well, dies?" Frisk recalled the horror of seeing that froggit tearing apart a whimsun.

"It saddens me that you had to witness that but yes, we do." Toriel didn't look comfortable at all about this specific topic.

"So who is this he you seem so appalled by?" Frisk leaned her chin on her hand.

"The so called 'king' of the Underworld," Toriel's visage took on one of utter disgust when uttering the name. "Asgore."

"So I dare to assume this so called Asgore is the handler of these shackles?"

"You are right in your assumption." Toriel nodded.

It went silent for a long moment before Toriel continued but her words carrying a deep sorrow now.

"He wasn't always like this, you know? But a… tragic event changed him. Soon after, he personally shackled all the monsters here in the Underground. And still to this day will shackle every newborn through his dark magic. Forcing everyone to serve him unquestionably."

"So there are different types of magic?" Frisk however was far more interested in that topic.

"A demonstration would be easier." And Toriel lifted a hand and suddenly an orb of orange flames ignited out of nowhere above the palm!

"All monsters may utilize the magic that their bodies are made out of for diverse spells. Including offensive and defensive capabilities, though some may simply resort to physical means as well."

Well that explains why I didn't see any display of magic until now, excluding Chara.

"But those shackles," Toriel visibly shuddered. "I have no idea how the king ever managed to acquire such vile powers to begin with. His spells now nothing but utterly abominable displays of once normal magic."

Perhaps Chara can enlighten me about magic, in particular a darker kind of it?

"What happens to these shackles when a monster… You know?" Frisk suddenly remembered something.

"Why, it turns into dust with it. The king doesn't care the slightest if a monster dies." The goat-monster replied melancholy.

"And what if a shackle would… you know, come lose and the monster would become, say free?" Frisk suggested.

"That's impossible. For many, many years, I haven't seen a single monster here in the Ruins manage to free themselves from these shackles." Toriel unhappily replied.

"I have."

"Come again?" Toriel looked up, making sure that she had heard right.

"A froggit. I saw a froggit come free from its shackle." Frisk clarified.

"What— WHEN?!" Toriel rose up from her chair with wide eyes.

"Near where I fell. It was actually the same froggit that attacked me earlier. I returned to help it with its injuries, and suddenly its shackle came off."

"You somehow found a method to remove the shackle? What happened to it afterwards?!" Toriel held for her mouth in shock.

"Uh, the froggit seemed happy," Frisk was uncertain which one of them Toriel asked about. "While the shackle just fell to the ground and remained there."

"Child," Toriel began walking back and forth with an alarmed posture and expression, which only make Frisk have a bad feeling about all this.

"Those chains are all connected directly to the king! And if one of his subjects is suddenly free from it…" and Toriel stared directly at Frisk.

"You may already have not just attracted his attention, but his wrath also!"

"I simply helped it…" Frisk looked down into the empty plate.

"I do not question your benevolent act. But you must understand that you may have not just accidently told Asgore of your presence. But also somehow possess a skill to free his enslaved subjects!"

"What do you mean 'my presence'?" Frisk picked up how Toriel had said that with emphasis.

"You are a human. Remember when I mentioned that monsters will attack you, however even if against their will?" Toriel stared at Frisk, who just carefully nodded.

"That's because his demand is that every single human that falls into the Underground must die."

"That's… not good for me at all." Frisk had grown pale.

"That's one way of saying it but yes. Not good for you at all." Toriel agreed.

The silence after that was deafening, until Frisk pushed her chair back and rose up.

"I-Is it ok if I take a slice with me back to my room? I… do not feel so well." Frisk asked with a low voice.

Toriel, while it was a forced one, gave her an understanding smile before cutting a slice for Frisk and placing it on her plate.

"Take your time. I understand that you've gone through very much in such a short amount of time. Now even more so after our discussions."

Frisk silently took the plate with her and just left the room and walking back towards her room.

Toriel watched after her and first after hearing the bedroom door close behind the human, walked with exhausted steps over to the coach and just sunk into it with a sorrowful expression.

"What's that?" Chara immediately sat up with great interest when seeing the plate in Frisk's hand after the human had walked in and closed the door after her.

"Butterscotch-cinnamon pie." Frisk replied and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Hmm… It has an enticing smell, I admit." Chara looked it over.

"It tastes much better." Frisk smiled and handed the plate over to the demon.

Chara silently took the plate and lifted up the slice, taking an almost exaggerated deep inhale through her noses.

"I have been gifted a slice of cinnamon-butterscotch pie. It smells delicious."

"You seem to enjoy doing dramatic narrative." Frisk giggled at the demon's antics.

"I find it humorous." Chara shrugged with a smile, before giving the pie a test bite.

Frisk found it incredible adorable how the demon began to savor the food for a long time, before taking a second and this time ravenous bite out of it.

"I told you it would taste much better."

"It isn't bad, not at all. Though not perfect either." Chara swallowed first before commenting and was making short work of the slice.

"Did you hear anything of what we discussed," Frisk asked before falling back down on her back and continuing. "Or perhaps you only heard our voices?"

The demon gave a slow nod to the latter and kept watching her with interest, while chewing her too big bite.

Frisk recounted their discussions and not leaving out a single detail.

"Interesting." Was all the demon had to say when she was done and now sat cross-legged on the bed. The empty plate put aside on the bed table with only crumbs left on it.

The human, who at some point had pulled out the knife from under their shirt, kept twiddling with it when mentioning another and perhaps very important detail.

"Also, she has more than once mentioned that I am staying here. I mean, why else would she give me a room just like this? That she wants me to 'have a nice time living here' and so on."

"It pleases me that you actually took my advice to heart." Chara's smile widened and her words reflected it.

"So what I am up against is basically a king who has enslaved his subjects and ordered them to kill me just because I am a human… What a pleasant place this Underground turns out to be."

"You seem awfully spirited, considering. Here I thought I would have to comfort you." Chara shrugged.

Frisk promptly repositioned herself so her head was resting in Chara's lap and staring up at her expectantly.

"That's a determined face if I ever seen one." Chara giggled and began to massage Frisk's hair bottom.

It was absolutely wonderful.

"To answer your question. What do I have to worry, when I got a powerful entity such as you helping me?" Frisk smiled happy at her.

And just for a moment Chara's fingers paused, and Frisk could've sworn that Chara was flushed, though it was hard to tell with her already rosy cheek.

"Already you have done more for me than I anticipated. I… really appreciate you being here for me, even if it's just the bargain keeping you here." Frisk kept looking up at her.

"I better pick my next words wisely then, considering who is holding a knife."

Frisk just stared at the demon, who was visibly trying to keep a neutral face and not laugh.

"You sure are something else, Chara," Frisk mused but returned to the topic about the goat-monster. "I have a feeling that Toriel will be a bother. When I am ready I will confront her."

"Oh, I like it when you show confidence." Chara's claw 'slipped' down to Frisk's unscathed cheek and caressed it.

"I-Is s-sensual t-t-t-touching a common practice f-for d-demons?" A stuttering Frisk already was absolutely red but nevertheless mustered the courage to speak up about this.

Chara's hands suddenly grabbed onto Frisk's shoulders, as the demon with ease lifted her up so she suddenly was now sitting on her lap!

This was simply too much for Frisk's mind as it went on a complete shutdown. Simply just accepting her fate of having the back of her head pulled into Chara's breasts, while hearing a seductively whisper from above.

"You sounded so hot."

Frisk at the present didn't want to be anywhere else, yet so desperately just wanted to flee and take a long time to collect her mess of a mind.

The caressing which wasn't just focused on her hair any longer, soon however eradicated the notion of ever fleeing. As the human simply melted into Chara's bosom.

"Are we comfortable?"

What else could she do but nod?

"Well, sorry to disappoint you then, Frisky. But my time is up." Chara replied in a sudden sad tone.

Frisk come to and just looked up at her confused?

First now seeing how some of that shadow from earlier was ever so gradually enshrouded portions of the demon again.

"Oh…"

"This is good." Chara gave Frisk a last caress on her unscathed cheek, before her hand was fully engulfed by dancing shadows again.

Chara gently made Frisk sit up proper, before floating back up into the air in her semi-corporeal form. "For there are other matters I have to attend."

"Will you be gone for long?" Frisk looked sadly after the demon who levitated towards the middle of the room.

"For some hours, perhaps longer. I'll return soon enough, Frisky." Chara winked at her.

However right after uttering the nickname, she in mere moments had faded out and only left behind lingering shadows.

Frisk just stared at the now empty spot in the air after the essence had dissipated as well.

Just like that, Frisk was all alone. Not even given time to say her goodbyes.

The knife remained however, which Frisk suddenly held very close to her person.

An overwhelming tiredness struck her out of nowhere, so the human decided that she might as well try and gain a proper rest while she can.

"What an insane day…" Frisk just laughed that all of this had happened to her, while pulling off her borrowed sweater before resting her head on the pillow.

It smells like… buttercups? Frisk turned her head and inhaled deeply into the pillow.

This only made Frisk miss her demon even more so. While this may be a perfect opportunity to reflect thoroughly on what exactly she has experienced down here in the Underground before succumbing to sleep. Her mind never wandered too far from Chara.

It was more than once that Frisk studied the red blade gifted to her.