bena

(Nods)

Bena will be fine.

I'm by her side.

Huff... Well, today's class was interesting.

The teacher asked us what wishes we have, and the things started pouring out of everyone's mouths. Then we all wrote them down onto letters and handed them to the teacher, who arranged that we could come and fetch them in ten years' time.

My, my, that's our job to the T.

I collected plenty of articles as we went along, so Grandmother's sure to be pleased.

Bena, bad girl.

What? If Iris were attending that class, she'd have done the same thing.

I just saw a move or two ahead, you see? Haha!

Mmf. Still, as voluntary as it is... I can't argue taking classes in the evening is a little...

*yawn*...

Let's go to bed, Annie...

Alright.

Would you like a lullaby?

No thank you. I'm no child, you know.

Alright.

Good night, Bena.

Good night, Annie.

Zzzzz...

Darling, how are you...?

*cough*, *cough* *cough*...

She's asleep.

I... I feel so sorry for her...

Us both, darling, us both...

We can only hope to keep the malady from reaching her too...

We'll be in Victoria soon, and then...

Our... little ■■... won't be... infected...

Daddy! Daddy!

Is this, um... a fountain?

■■, Daddy and Mummy are going to buy some food from a shop over there. Just sit here and rest yourself for now.

No... don't go...

Be good... here, an apple...

I don't want it. I just want Mummy and Daddy to stay.

We'll come right back...

Daddy? Mummy?!

No... don't...

Don't... leave me...

I don't care about Oripathy!

I just want... just want to be with Mummy and Daddy...

Don't go...

*sniffle*... *sob*...

Your eyes are wet.

Do you feel bad?

Yes...

Would you like a lullaby?

No...

Alright.

Annie...

Yes?

Hug...

Alright.

You're all the family I have...

You have Granny too.

Granny's... Granny's too wicked...

And Iris.

Nngh... Iris is too nice.

And I thought we were clear we didn't have anything to do with each other.

Iris bakes you custard tarts.

Mgh... Iris does make delicious tarts.

She can technically count, then.

And now you're not alone.

Be honest. Where did you learn all that babying talk?

Kirara's game discs.

Isn't she more fond of those action games?

Kirara plays anything.

Really?

Yes.

I'll have to take a peek at her collection next time.

Alright.

For now, let's get some sleep. Proper sleep.

Alright.

Remember to give Grandmother your reply tomorrow.

Rock-a-bye~♪ Rock-a-bye~♪ There's a moon round and bright~♪

(Hums lullaby)

Zzzz...

Mmm...

*yawn*...

Good morning, Bena.

Nmgh... morning...

Are we going out to play?

Play? Oh, of course...

I found the lucky doll for us.

Oh...

Lucky doll... That latest fad?

Pink, with two little knives, stitches and patches all over, who you can make a wish to if you happen to meet? And then your next few days are awfully lucky, was it?

Alright.

Sounds like the perfect wool to pull over children's eyes.

It's real.

And you don't suppose the doll has a Castle of Dreams-type place trailing it about, too...

Pink... knives... stitches all over...

Ah!

Wasn't that the one yesterday?!

Yes.

Does it really work?

Yes.

So you found it yesterday. Has your wish come true?

Mm.

Has it, or has it not?

Mm.