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]

[ 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.]