"She's not large yet," Re-l said, feeling the cat's claws sink into her skin as Gabriel rubbed its head. "But do whatever you like. It's just a name." Privately, she couldn't help thinking that Bomb did kind of suit the kitten, especially when it was purring against her neck, the vibrations shivering through her chest like the tick of a clock.

Gabriel was looking happier, which was good. She hadn't stopped worrying about what he would do if she left him on his own again, but she would deal with that later. For now, she just wanted to enjoy the sunshine.

"You've lived a long time," she said, without any preamble. "Tell me a story."