After that day Mabel began accompanying him on his trips to Junni’s home more often. He liked that she had someone else to talk to besides him. He hoped the Lype following her would slowly disappear with her help.

Although, he underestimated how friendly both of them would get. A few times he found them both a little tipsy after he ran some other errands for the Fae folk. This night she was especially drunk and spoke all kinds of nonsense on the way back home, “The stars are pretty tonight…” she mumbled for the fifth time in a row looking up at a starless sky.

“Yes, they are.” Mabel leaned against his arm and yawned, “Tired?” she nodded and sighed, “We’ll be back soon.”

“Do you like me?” she asked quietly, “Junnie keeps saying you like me…”

“Of course I like you.” He answered honestly, “You’re very nice.” She scoffed and leaned back in her seat, “What is it?”

“Everyone always says that…”

“Is that bad?” He asked gently. She shook her head vigorously. Like a child learning to control their body.

“Being nice is fine. I just...is that it? Am I just a nice quiet little girl that follows the rules?” She hiccuped and held her head over the edge. He stopped the wagon in case she needed to puke. He handed her a canteen of water and she gulped it down at once, “I don’t like being nice…” 

He brushed some hair away from her face and she held his hand tightly, “You know. The first time I saw you I thought you were crazy.”

“What?”

He nodded, “I thought, ‘What kind of crazy woman would just come out in the middle of winter, a snowstorm no less, for a flower.’”

“So what? You thought I was crazy.”

“You’re still crazy.” Mabel glared at him. Or at least tried to. He looked a little fuzzy and it was hard to focus on him, “You’re living with a complete stranger. You didn’t know what to expect when you left home. For all you know I could have eaten you on the way to my house.” He felt her fall against his arm. She had fallen asleep, “You’re a brave woman, Mabel.” He pecked the top of her head and led Henry on, “And odd.” She slapped his stomach playfully and smiled. I wish I could be a little more like you.