Toby returned later than usual back home, since he went and got some groceries after class.

“I’m home…” He took off his shoes as he spoke to his mother, who was sitting in the kitchen, watching TV.

“Welcome back.” She just lit up a cigarette and puffed smoke into the air. “So. How was your meeting with your uncle?” She had a rough tone in her voice, especially when saying the word uncle. After all, she had never made it a secret that she didn’t like him.

“Oh, it was- good-” Toby hung up his jacket and joined his mother in the kitchen. “We have been talking about the Defenders, and about Morpho Mons… and…” He paused for a second, not knowing how much he should tell. If she even really wanted to hear about him. But maybe this was redeeming for him. Knowing how much he always cared… despite everything. “Well. He said he missed me… all those years…”

Mrs. Williams lifted an eyebrow.

“And… we want to try to reconnect a bit. As much as- as possible.”
“... He missed you, huh?” Mrs. Williams grunted. “This nasty bastard has always been good at pretending he cares.”

Toby’s expression froze. “What- what do you mean by that?”

She put out her cigarette and looked Toby dead in the eye. “How much could a man care who didn’t even bother to financially support his family, even after I was begging him. We have been living at the bare minimum, ever since the whole incident, while he lives with an overabundance of money and luxury. You really think he cares about you? No. He just wants to manipulate you. Maybe it's for the best if you stay away from that man.”

“...” Toby felt like a glass was shattering in his mind. “... okay… I will… stay away from him.”
“Good. Have you had dinner yet? I didn’t prepare anything.”
“Mh… I’m not hungry.”
“‘kay.”
“Come Memis…”

Toby slowly carried himself to his room, and locked it behind him after Memis had entered.

“... Toby?” The small dog let his ears hang low. “Are you sure you’re- still alright?”

Toby gulped loudly. “Ah… I… I don’t know…”

“Come to me!” Memis jumped on the bed. “We can talk!”

He did as he was told, and Toby sat far down on his bed, leaning on the wall.

“Now.” Memis lay down and placed his head on Toby’s lap. “How are you feeling?”

“I… I don’t know…” Toby frowned, his eyes glazed from tears, but not crying. “It’s just that… I don’t… feel like I belong anywhere… If- If what mother says is true then- I don’t- I don’t feel like I have a family… Like I have… anyone…”

Memis looked up through dark lashes. “What about your mother?”

“... Mom doesn’t feel like… family…” Toby touched his own arms. “I think… at least. I don’t know what family feels like.”

“Mh… how do I phrase this…” Memis puffed air out of his nose. “Family are the ones who love you for who you are. Who support you, who want the best for you, while still making sure you grow into a better person.” He sat up. “I remember my family. My mother taught me how to behave and how to care for my siblings, while still protecting me and showering me in love. When I was with her, I felt warm, comfortable and safe.”

Warm, comfortable and safe. These were not words he’d describe his relationship with his mother as. He loved her. He really did. But he often felt uneasy or like he’d mess up if he said anything wrong at any time.

Which is why he had always avoided spending more time than needed with her. Often going out on his own in his free time. He had even lied about going on patrol to avoid being with her.

She was not a person he felt safe with. And there was no one else in his family who was. He had no father, and he had no contact to his grandparents.

He wished his uncle was his anchor. But their relationship was superficial so far. He barely knew him. He didn’t know if he could trust him. His experiences with him have been contradicting, both disturbing and heartwarming. Yet what his mother had just told him hurt him so much, he felt like he was drowning in an ocean, with no coast and no help around.

“Is there anyone who makes you feel this way? Someone you know who wants your best, while still being kind and makes you feel secure?” Memis asked.

“...”

There was one person. But he felt like he had messed up their relationship by being unable to be honest about his feelings. He possibly never wanted to see him again… Pulling Toby deeper down in the ocean.

“... It probably sounds stupid but - I feel like… I have so many people around me. So many I’d even consider friends. But still… I feel… terribly alone.”

“Mh… I know what you mean.” Memis climbed on Toby’s lap and sat down on it, looking him in the eye. “You see… ever since I got to this world, I’ve felt the same way. I feel… alone… confused… like I have lost everything I’ve ever known and loved. But… learning about this world, meeting like minded people and friends… All I wanted was that sense of belonging, to a family. But… I think I found my family.” Memis gently nudged Toby with his snout. “I’ve never had a big brother, but you’re pretty close to one.”

“Mah…” Toby covered his mouth with his hand, choking on tears. “Memis…”

“I will promise you!” Memis leaned on Toby’s chest. “Whatever will come, I will be with you at all times! I will always be your family!”

“... Ahh…” Toby began to pet Memis’ back. “Y-You’re right… I’m sorry… Yes… you are family, too.”
“Yes I am!” Memis barked and wagged his tail.

“... I- I wanna talk with- with Roy… and with uncle… I want to set things clear.” Toby wiped his tears away. “I can’t just succumb to my own misery…”
“That’s the Toby I know and love!!”
“Thank you Memis…” Toby smiled weakly at him. “You truly are more than just a dog… or a Morpho Partner… I will never forget this.”

“Awoo! You’re my bestest friend in the world!”
“And you are mine…” Toby dried his tears off his face with his hands. “Do you… want to get pizza for dinner?”
“WRAFF! YES! PIZZA!!”
“Okay... Let’s order some.”