Following that other one... [video]

[runs_on_batteries]

If there are any kids- both big and small- who don't want to be alone right now, I'm making hot chocolate and blanket forts in the dining room.

Also, bring a blanket.

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[irrationally]

[ She sucks in a deep breath, and although there's something faintly pained in Alice's expression when it shifts, there's something fond at its edges as well. Of course she'd say that. They both do hate being kept in the dark, even when it'd be for the better, huh.. ]

I understand.

[ She gently moves her hand over the other girl's hair, smoothing it down. ]

But I.. I still wish to protect you from seeing things that are too difficult to watch. [ There's the slightest hesitation, but then she decides to just be open about why. There's no other convincing argument she could use against herself. She knows Alice's mind too well. ] I have.. been through some really, really awful things, Alice.

[ Even though she'd rather not elaborate on what. Especially not right now. ]

That's why I absolutely want to keep you from having to go through the same. I want to keep things right for you.

[madcuriosity]

[She let out a breath, as if she was exhaling the air the older one had inhaled. She reached out and hugged herself closer to the older girl, wanting to protect her and chase away the pain the way the older girl did for her.]

Alright.

[A breath, and then.]

I'm sorry you went through awful things, Miss Alice. [She looked up at her.]I hope being here is better than the awful things back home.

[irrationally]

[ The way the other girl clings to her so tightly makes the corners of her mouth tug up just a tiny bit, even though it's a wry smile. ]

Do you want to know a secret, Alice? [ She lowers the volume of her voice, as if to make sure it's really just audible for the two of them while they're this close. ] A major reason why I don't mind being here is since I get to see you. It's been a blessing to be here with you. I.. almost forgot. What I used to be like.

[ It's bittersweet in a way, since it reminds her of all the things she lost, everything that changed about her. But Alice is such a sweet, precious presence all the same. ]

But you remind me by always so wonderfully trying your best.

[madcuriosity]

Miss Alice, I have a secret too. [She lowered her voice.] I don't know I would be as happy if you weren't here either. I'll say something and it's wonderful to be instantly understood. [The other adults and children meant well, but Alice was well aware she was an odd child. She got told it often enough that she assumed it must simply be a fact.]

[irrationally]

[ "Then I'm glad I'm at least doing something good," she almost says, but decides last minute that that might just be a little too dark to say to someone as sweet and pure as her younger self. So instead she just says: ]

I'm glad.

[ And she does mean that. ]

Now, shall we go sit down somewhere here? Perhaps I get us a cup of tea. [ Just to make things feel a bit more normal after today's crazy happenings. ]

[madcuriosity]

I shall never say not a cup of tea. [Alice would never call it a "cuppa" her mother would have been absolutely aghast at the slang.]