Imya came back inside. She put on a pair of snow boots and dashed back outside.

Natsumi fell out of her chair laughing. “It’s almost summer, why does she need snow boots?”

“Okay, am I the only one that knows she’s wearing a winter jacket?”

“She always wears that… That is weird.”

“So, I guess it’s just you, Penny, and me, right?”

“I guess so.”

Penney was reading a book in the corner. “W-What will my parents think? I’m still a minor…”

“Who said you have to tell them?”

“You’re right…”

Natsumi walked out of the room. Callie collapsed back on the couch and fell asleep immediately. A few hours later, Imya came back into the house, followed by a girl with wavy black hair and emerald green eyes and a tall boy with long brown hair and slender hazel eyes. Callie sat up and yawned, “Hi, Imya. Who’s this?”

Imya gestured towards the girl. “This is Savasina, my sister.“ She gestured towards the boy. “This is Christian, Sarah’s son.”

“That is cool. Where were they yesterday?”

“Savasina was at a friend’s house. Christian was out with his 'friends.'”

Christian placed his hand on top of Imya's head. "Now, Imya, I know you don't take kindly to the fact that I have a social life, but I can tell you're hiding something from me. Maybe, I don't know, a crush?"

Imya's face turned red. "Shut the fuck up, you idiot!"

Savasina tapped Imya’s shoulder.

“What?”

“T-There’s someone I want you to meet.”

A boy with short, messy brown hair walked in through the open door.

“Who the hell are you?”

“I’m Jack. Savasina’s boyfriend.”

Imya grabbed Jack by the collar. “Listen, Jake.”

“Jack.”

“Whatever. I love Savasina, but her mental health is in a very bad state right now. If you make her hate herself any more than she already does, or if you abandon her, I will kill you.”

“I assume you’re Savasina’s overprotective father.”

“I’m her younger sister. Our father… Left.”

“Really? You’re like, six and a half feet tall.”

“Are people not tall where you come from?”

“Women that are under seventeen aren’t usually that tall.”

“Well, listen, Jake, Savasina hates abandonment.”

“Relax. It’s not like you’ll kill me if I abandon her.”

Savasina came over. “Imya has killed people before. She just tells everyone that our father ‘left’ so they do not get suspicious.”

Imya nodded. Natsumi walked over to Jack and scoffed, “Savasina, of all people to be with, you chose him?”

“Yeah, that is seriously sad, sis.”

Savasina shook her head and laughed, “I’m going to go take a nap.” She kissed Jack on the cheek. “Love you, babe.”

Jack walked past Imya, not saying a word. Imya chuckled, “Oops!” as she shoved Jack to the side.

“Hey! Rude!”

“Did I ever say I gave a damn?”

Savasina shouted from upstairs, “Imya, please try not to kill my boyfriend!”

“Do not hold your breath.” Imya swung her bag onto her arm. “Natsumi, Callie, we’re going to be late!”

Natsumi dashed down the stairs. She grabbed her bag. Jack asked, “Where are you going?”

“Natsumi and Callie have an interview and I’m the only one who can drive them to the airport, where they’ll fly to Duke Island, where they’ll go to Site 19 and go to their interviews. I’m the only one that can drive, period.” She stopped. “Probably should not have gone out last night.”

“Oh, Natsumi’s going to Site 19?”

“Yes. She’s also going to see a friend there.”

“Is her friend a researcher? Guard?”

“No, her friend is a contained Keter.”

“Her friend’s what?”

“Do svidanya.” Imya walked out the door, followed by Natsumi and Callie. She turned around. “I’ll be back soon, Penny.”

Natsumi squealed, “I can’t wait to see Itsuki for the first time in five years! I wonder if she’s gotten any taller...”

“How tall is she?”

“She’s seventeen and, the last time I saw her, she was less than four and a half feet tall. It’s seriously ridiculous how many times she’s been mistaken for a child in public.”

“She’s a year older than me but two feet sho-”

“Keep your eyes on the damn road.”

“All right, all right…”

They eventually pulled up to the airport. Natsumi sighed, “If you want to meet Itsuki so much, you can come in with us. I have an extra ticket.”

“Yay!” Imya went in with them. They went through security, Natsumi praying that they would be allowed to board the plane unaccompanied by an adult. She whispered to Imya, “We need an adult to go in with us. This isn’t good.”

“You don’t think I have a fake passport and ID? How else do I buy vodka and sex toys?”

“Thanks, Imya.” Natsumi rolled her eyes. “Finally, your weird personality and interests pay off.”

The security guard turned towards them. She looked at Imya. “Ma’am, I must ask you to remove your jacket.”

“Okay, fine. But please, don’t let anything fall out.” She took off her jacket and handed it to the security guard. A nearby child pointed at Imya’s arms and gasped, “Look, Xiao! That girl has scars on her wrist!”

The woman next to the child glanced over. “I-Imya?”