“Hiya, Cookies!” Evan’s voice rang clear.


    “No problem, Biscuit! What’s up?”


    “It hasn’t even been twelve hours, kiddo.”


    “Because you want me to know you’re eating, or because you hate spending money?” she teased.


    “Mmmmmm…” she drew out the sound, somewhat disapproving. “He’s finally out of the hospital. His parents have been threatening police action—witch hunters, anything they can really. But there’s no proof you had anything to do with it, so honestly, what can they do?”


    “Partially, yes. But also, I’ve been gone from home for so long. I thought it about time I make up with my family. I miss Iropa too. I left before everything went down back in o-four and just never found my way back,” she let out a sigh of longing. “With you being there now and not really having a future here, I have no reason to stay either. I only stayed here with you just in case someone came looking for you.”


    “Is that so? Whatever are you going to do when you get married? Refuse your in-laws?”


    “Really? What about that Nana girl? She seems nice.”


    “Hrmmm?” Evan’s response drew out mischievously. “Not good enough, huh?” he heard her snap her fingers, “Ah! Van then! He’s a lovely boy too, right?”


    “Oh Cookies, you’re so cute!” she mused.


    “Did he give you a nickname like that? Really?”


    “You kids had a lot to deal with growing up,” Evan said softly, “It’s not surprising even someone like him has something weird about him.”


    “It’s fine, Cookies. You hardly ever talk so much, I’m happy to listen.”


    “Alrighty then, I’ll let you go darling.”