Merlis's POV

I looked over, seeing the lady's face showing a soft smile as she gazed down at Anna.

"When you disappeared, she went out and looked for you everywhere. She thought you might have just teleported somewhere else or some wild thing like that. Spending all day outside and not coming home until dinner was already over, stars peeking out through the night sky. With the sun blazing down on her throughout the day and doing it while on an empty stomach, her body just shut down on her."

"We had a pet cat once that she absolutely fell in love with. She'd spend every waking moment with her. Petting her, feeding her, playing with her; she really loved that cat. She was devastated when she died. We didn't get to keep the cat for long. She cried for days, staying in her room for hours on end. And if you know her at all, you know that she likes adventuring so staying in her room for that long wasn't like her. There wasn't much I could do. If we got another pet, all of this would have happened again and I don't want my baby girl to go through that again. We haven't gotten another pet sense." She stroked a piece of hair away from Anna's face, looking back at me as she continued. "So when you came along, I guess she was scared of losing you. She might get mad at me if I tell you...but she actually doesn't have many friends so she holds tightly onto the ones she makes."

I kneeled there, soaking up everything she said. This new side of Anna made me think differently. I always had people with me, pestering me about new weapons, fashion, or just trying to talk to me. A thought floated into my head.

"So, you know that I'm not really…" I started to say.

"Human? Anna kind of told me everything. I had to know why my daughter was staying out so late. Sorry if it was supposed to be a secret," she said.

"No, no. It's ok." I let out a small chuckle. I guess she isn't the best at keeping secrets. "So you believe her?"

"Well, to be honest, I thought she was just being imaginative. But after seeing you, I can at least say I believe her a little bit. Not everyone can go out in public dressed like you are."

Anna stirred slightly, bringing my attention back to her. Her head rolled back and forth on her pillow until her eyes started to open.

"Ugh, I'm starving," she grumbled, rubbing her eyes. She leaned forward, the blanket sliding off her shoulders.

"Ann-" I began to say until I was interrupted by a loud stomach growl. Anna clutched her stomach, finally noticing me stationed near her feet.

"Merlis! What are you doing here in my house?" she questioned. Another rumble filled the room. "Wait...how did I get home?"

Anna's mom stood up and said, "I'm going to go get you something to eat. Glad that you're awake sweetie."

"Uh, thanks Mom."

I watched as she walked out of the room, carrying the medical kit back with her. I was glad that we-no she-didn't have to use it.

"How'd I get here?" Anna asked again as she swung her legs off the couch. She patted the spot next to her, moving the blanket so I wouldn't sit on it. I took her up on her offer, plopping right next to her. She tossed the blanket over my legs as I looked at her to see a smile on her face. She seemed back to normal.

I took a deep sigh. "Well, we were heading to your house when you suddenly blacked out into my arms. I might have started to panic a little because you wouldn't wake up. So, I just ran around till I happened to find Meka playing outside. Your mom recognized you and called me inside."

"Lucky you then."

"I know. I'm glad that you're ok. I can't have my new friend dying on me," I said, trying to lighten the mood. It seemed to work as Anna laughed.

"Don't worry. I'm not dying anytime soon. So, don't worry," she said.