I can hear Luna crying again as I walk back to my seat next to my tent. Poor thing… She spends all her time alone, though I’m glad she’s finally starting to reach out to us. That’s the first time she’s ever asked one of our names. I hope she continues to reach out to us, but it really sucks having to watch her suffer and feeling helpless to do anything for her. I recognize that these things take time, and rushing them will get us nowhere. Because of the distance though, I definitely think that the others have started to give up on her a bit, but I think she still wants connection with them. I think that connection is what we all need to get better, and sharing our struggles with others will not only cause us to grow closer, but will also prove to ourselves that we can trust again. A lot of us here have that problem, but I think that we can move past that the more time we spend together.

One thing I’ve definitely found is that people are a lot like bubbles; we need to deflate to settle down. If we don’t deflate, then we explode. As goofy as it sounds, that saying has been so true so far. I’ve seen tensions between people grow and grow, eventually leading to fighting, both verbal and even physical. I’ve seen that a lot, especially growing up. Then often those people would just pretend the fight never happened… Nothing was ever resolved, so things would just remain tense. It’s probably the reason why my siblings and I never could laugh together… Well, that’s that, though. I have a new family, now, one that will stick with me through thick and thin, one that will… Get me things I need like bandages when I need them the most.

“Hey Rex,” I call out, spotting him running over to me. “What took you so long?” I’m not usually this much of a stickler for stuff like this, but my arm is really hurting me.

“Oh, sorry. I was catching up with the group!” Rex explains. “Had to explain what had happened, Fend and the others were worried about you. I think that everyone is a little bit freaked out to be honest.”

“Oh. Sorry…” I really need to reel it in a bit; it wasn’t his fault after all.

“Hey don’t worry about it. I also got to see Fend’s ability in action.” He says, handing me the bandages.

“Oh really?? Oh man, I wish I coulda been there… Man, that hits the spot!” My desire to see Fend in action is interrupted by Rex at my side, wrapping my arm in the bandages. Fend is a bleeping miracle worker; the bandages are working on places I didn’t even realize were hurting. Her knowledge of plants and their effects make me realize just how lucky we are to have her around.

“Man, this is so nice!!” I say, the chickweed and aloe do its work. I spot Rex’s amused grin out of the corner of my eye.”What?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

“Oh nothing,” he chuckles. “It’s like you’re in a whole different world over there. Tell me…” He puts on an inquisitive face. “What’s the weather like? Is it nice and sunny? Are there birds chirping, bunnies hopping around? Wherever it is you’re at, I want in.” He pauses, catching the exasperated look I’m giving him.

“Are you done?” I ask. He’s still grinning, so I can’t be sure.

“Haha, yeah, I’m done.” Rex chuckles. “I’m sorry, you just looked so much at peace there, I thought that you had maybe reached Nirvana or something.” Pff. He’s always such a goof, and is always able to make me laugh. I’ve noticed that it tends to be at my expense though…

“Ahh well, that’s fine.” I say, giving a theatrical shrug. “You are just a fool who will never be able to appreciate the wonders of healing herbs, and the mysteries of nature.” He makes a face at me.

“I dunno, definitely not to the extent that you do, with your increased recovery and all.” He’s referring to my ability that allows all natural remedies to be much more effective on me than the average person. It’s one of the benefits of being me.

“Hehe, you know it.” I let out a giggle. “Because I be the heal-y!” Rex bursts out laughing.

“I’m sorry, but what???” he says. I think that was the last thing he expected me to say. Booyah. “I am the heal-y” I repeat in a monotone voice, barely able to hold back the torrent of laughter that‘s threatening to burst out my mouth. “I am the heal-y, here to do your healy needs!” “Haha,hat means!” Rex laughs.

“Neither do I!” I admit, finally cracking up myself. “Maybe it’s like, Me! Sheila. Equals heal and stuff! I dunno!” I throw up my hands in mock frustration. I don’t even know what the heck I’m saying at this point to be honest. But ya know? Maybe that’s one of the best parts of your friends; they bring out weird sides of you that you never knew existed.