37 (audio)

[horrible_penny]

Is it just me, or have things been weird around here?  Like, weirder-than-normal weird?  I don't know what it is, exactly... more people leaving, more explosions.  ...Well.  The explosions were only tonight, I guess, but still...

[She trails off.  Her train of thought picks up abruptly at a different station.]

It's been a long month.

[A pause. She

Comments

[freckleddoll]

...think I like that.

[horrible_penny]

Thanks, Freckles. ...Do you believe any of it? The growing part, not the story.

[freckleddoll]

Yeah, I do. Or at least I think I do? Can see somethin' like that 'appenin'.

[horrible_penny]

I think you've grown.

[freckleddoll]

...who, me?

[horrible_penny]

No, the other person in this conversation. Of course you!

[freckleddoll]

...how d'you mean though, that I've grown?

[horrible_penny]

You've been here without your family for a while now, Freckles. I know it's still hard on you, but I think you're doing really well now. You seem more independent, you know? And I think you're getting stronger.

[freckleddoll]

It doesn't really feel that way...but guess someone else could tell better'n I could?

[horrible_penny]

Probably. It's easier to see changes in other people than in yourself, I think.

[freckleddoll]

Wonder what I'll be like if I stay 'ere even longer...

[horrible_penny]

Stronger. Braver.

If you stay long enough, maybe I'll even get you to believe you're beautiful.

[freckleddoll]

We'd 'ave to stay a right long while.

[horrible_penny]

I hope it doesn't take that long.

I wish you could see yourself the way other people see you.

[freckleddoll]

...spent too much time seein' myself the way other people saw me back 'ome, I guess.

[horrible_penny]

There's time to help you see yourself other ways, I think.