I wake up – thankfully – in the same room as before. Marie's sitting by the window, looking out at the colorful city below. The blazing sun I've still not gotten used to seeing is low in the sky, casting an orange glow on the world. 

I sit up, wanting to say something to Marie. My voice still doesn't work, but she turns when she hears me moving.

"Hey." She says, giving me a faint smile. "Are you feeling okay?"

I nod, grateful she chose a yes-or-no question.

"Callie's making pancakes. She insisted." Marie says. "If you hadn't seen broth before, I can guarantee you've never encountered pancakes. But you'll love them, don't worry."

I don't know how to respond to that, so I nod. Callie bursts through the door with a plate, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Hi! I made these for you!" She cries, thrusting the plate at me. "Try them!"

She gives me a fork and sets the plate down on my lap. I stare at the golden-brown half-circles, not sure what to do. Are these pillows? They look like them, all puffed-up the way they are. Can I even eat a pillow?

"Oh, I see! You learn by example!" Callie says, still peppy. "Hang on, I'll get some more!"

She comes back a minute later, then demonstrates stabbing a piece with her fork. I clumsily copy her, glancing over at Marie to make sure I'm doing it right. She gives a barely perceptible nod.

"Now, eat it!" Callie cries, then shoves the whole piece in her mouth.

I nibble a bit off, still hesitant. My eyes widen as I taste it. It's so fluffy and sweet it barely seems real. I chew it quickly, then stab another piece. Callie giggles, thrilled with my enthusiasm.

"See? I told you she'd love them, Marie!" She says to her cousin, who rolls her eyes and tries to hide her smile.

I finish the plate, then pass it back to Callie. She runs out of the room, and I hear her in what I assume to be the kitchen, washing the plates.

"So, what do you think of this place?" Marie asks softly. "I know it's probably a little overwhelming for you."

I take up the pencil and paper and write, It's all so bright here.

"I know, right?" She says, giving me a sideways smirk.

You guys are being so nice to me... I write, unsure how to put my thoughts into words. ...but why? No one cares about me...they said so, when they took me.

A shadow falls across Marie's face. She looks almost angry. "Of course they told you that."

Callie comes back in, then reads what I wrote. Sadness dawns in her eyes.

"Oh, do you really think that?" She whispers softly. "Cause it's not true. Marie and I care about you. We're going to protect you!"

Marie nods firmly. "Exactly. Don't let them get to you."

I lay back, taking it all in. They care about me?

"Rosa, you're very special." Marie says gently. "Not many young people could've survived what you went through. We appreciate and value that."

I stare at her, tears sparkling in my eyes. No one's ever said that to me, I scribble.

"Then it's long overdue!" Callie says, beaming at me.

The pencil hovers over the paper. I'm trying to decide how to convey what I'm thinking. The problem is, I'm not entirely sure myself.

Marie yawns, and I realize how tired she looks. She stands, gesturing to Callie.

"We should rest a little, Cal."

Callie pouts, crossing her arms. "But I wanna stay! We can't leave Rosa!"

"Cal, we -"

"Wait!" Callie suddenly gasps. "I know!"

She runs out of the room, leaving me shocked and confused. Marie's expression tells me she doesn't know what's going on either.

"Ta-da!" Callie cries, bursting into my room with a blanket and pillow in hand. "We can have a sleepover!"

What's a sleepover? I reach for the pencil to ask, but before I can, Callie leaps up onto my bed. I'm jostled around, trying not to wince as pain prickles in my chest and side.

"Cal, stop! You're gonna hurt her!" Marie says severely.

Callie sets her pillow next to mine, then snuggles in next to me. "There!"

Marie rolls her eyes, once more trying to hide her smile. She gets up and leaves, then returns with a pillow of her own.

"Just this once." She says.

Callie squeals with excitement and bounces a little more. Marie lays down, putting one arm around my shoulders to stabilize me. Callie wraps both arms around us, resting her head on my shoulder. As I finally begin to understand what a 'sleepover' is, I also realize it's nice, in a way. Callie's asleep already, her breathing deep and even. Marie is watching me, taking in my expression.

"You're okay, Rosa." She murmurs.

I lay my head on her shoulder, letting her hold me. Sleep comes easily, and I dream of Callie and Marie. They're on some kind of platform, with bright lights sparkling all around them. They're singing, beaming at the crowd below. Their music resonates around the place, sending green and pink auras around the Inklings. The brightest glows come from the Squid Sisters themselves; Callie blazes pink while Marie glitters green. It's so beautiful...I wish I could see this in real life...