Stella doesn't like making her daughter feel this way, but as she sees it, Reese needs to learn to be open with others.
Reese: Sorry, mother. I'll tell you next time.
Stella: thank you. do you know when Veli will be returning?
You know, that's a good question. He should be coming back soon. I'll go take a peak while you guys listen in. Just need to make sure no disturbing images are waiting for us on the other side. Be right back.
Reese: Um, no, but I bet you he's with that girl.
Stella: selice? raben's daughter?
Reese: Yeah. She's really nice. I haven't seen her in a while, but I really like her. I think she makes Veli go easy on me because when she's around he's nicer. I like that, but then he's mean like that to make sure I do things right, so I don't know if she should do that.
Stella: are you happier when veli is not so harsh?
Reese: Um. I don't know.
Stella: well, i do not think selice is wrong for softening veli. maybe you should try to spend more time with her?
Reese: But how? I don't want to go walk up on them while they're kissing. That's gross.
Stella: gods i hope all they're doing is kissing.
Stella: then why don't you try finding her on the way to work? you could ask her there.
Reese: Hmmmmm, okayyyy, but what do I say? What if she doesn't want to play with me?
Stella: well, first off, dear, people her age don't like to play with people. actually, that isn't true, they just don't like to call it playing. when you see her, ask her if she wants to hang out. that is how veli refers to it, after all.
Reese: So I just go to her and say, like, hey! Can we hang out after I get off work today? We could go to the forest and, I guess, gather herbs together?
Stella: yes, that sounds like a fantastic idea.
Reese: Wait, but who will take care of you?
Stella: i think veli can handle me for one night.
Reese: Mmmmmm. Okay. I'll ask her. But I don't know if I'll do it tomorrow... I need to think about it more.
Stella: alright, dear.
Stella: she needs to think about it more... so much thinking at her age...
Stella: you really do take after your father.
Reese: I do? I, um, I thought he was a hunter like Veli.
Stella: he was, but he was also very thoughtful. he did not take well to other people. it's a miracle i got through to him.
Reese: ...
Stella: i loved your father, reese.
Reese: Okay.
Stella: i love you, reese.
Reese: :)
