Re-l had been back for almost thirty-six hours before she wandered even close to the caravan. Partly it was the exhaustion of her journey biting into her, but more than that, she was full of doubt. She'd never meant to let herself get this close to anyone in this other world. Her only goal was to go home. Relationships were totally unnecessary. And so she'd promised herself that when she came back she would maintain that distance.

On the other hand, there could be no harm in simply dropping by to say hello. Especially as she'd been gone for much longer than she had said she would. And she could use a cup of coffee.

The kitten clung to her shoulders, its needling paws still too weak to pierce her skin. It was only eight weeks old, and about two feet in size. It would not be small enough to carry for long, but it definitely enjoyed being up high. Its fur was speckled, and its ears were tufted. In shape and size it was more like a lion than a tiger, but the shape of the ears and the tail belonged to neither. Re-l neither knew nor cared about any of this. She thought of it as the kitten, and was perfectly content.

The caravan, when she found it, was in the middle of a park, and was closed up, which was unusual. She wondered if Gabriel had guests, and then wondered why she cared. She was only stopping by, after all.

She rapped sharply on the door with her knuckles, and called out.

"Hello? Are you home?"