Sabine knitted her brow when Meesei pulled back. The way she spoke was as unsettling as it was upsetting. Years ago, Sabine may not have been able to stand up to such a situation. Now, she was mature. She had been raised to adulthood by a stronger woman than the one in front of her, and she had not forgotten it. She knelt down next to Meesei without breaking eye contact.

"Not too much, Meesei," Sabine tried to answer. "But...even if it was worse than this, it does not matter." Sabine carefully tried to reach out and grip Meesei's arm. "You got tricked. It is not your fault. We are all tired and I want you to come home. I just want to go home. There is still time for that." Sabine was open-mouthed. She could feel her tears welling up again. "We can go home and have a meal together. We can talk about magic and life and be happy. I want you to hug me and say that you still care. That is all I want. Please, mother."