Page 93 of Manic

I reach for a plate, trying to focus on the here and now.

Suddenly, I feel a pair of arms wrap around me from behind.

"Mom!" Tindra's voice rings out, full of enthusiasm. "This looks awesome!"

I turn, returning her hug. "Hey, sweetie. Having fun with Rev and Dalla?"

Tindra's face lights up. "Oh my god, yes! They're so cool. It's like hanging out with friends, not aunts, you know?"

I can't help but smile at her excitement. "That's great, hon. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

As Tindra chatters on about her day and "The Hobbit", I feel some of the tension leave my body.

At least one of us is adapting well to this new life.

But in the back of my mind, Tor's absence still nags at me, a constant reminder of the dangers that come with this world we've chosen.

I nod, understanding exactly what Tindra means. "That's totally normal, sweetheart. They're not much older than you, after all. It's like having built-in friends in the family."

Tindra grins, piling food onto her plate. "Yeah, it's pretty awesome."

I hesitate for a moment, then ask, "So, are you looking forward to starting school in a couple of weeks?"

Her smile falters slightly, and she shrugs her shoulders. "I mean, yeah, I'm excited, but..." She bites her lip, a habit she's had since she was little. "I'm kinda nervous too."

I reach out, squeezing her arm gently. "Hey, that's okay. It's normal to be a little nervous about a new school."

Tindra looks up at me, her eyes wide and searching. "Really?"

"Absolutely," I assure her, my voice softening. "But you know what? You won't be the odd one out. There are other club kids who go to the same school. You'll fit right in, I promise."

Tindra nods slowly, seeming to mull this over. "I guess you're right," she says finally, a small smile returning to her face.

We move to a quieter corner of the room, plates in hand.

As we look for a spot to sit, I can't help but marvel at how well Tindra's handling everything.

The club, the move, the upcoming school change—it's a lot for anyone, let alone a teenager.

"You know," I start, my chest swelling with pride, "I'm really proud of you, Tindra. You've adapted so well to all of this."

Her cheeks flush slightly at the praise. "Thanks, Mom. I'm just... I'm so happy we're here, you know? That we're with our family now."

The warmth in my chest grows, but then I notice Tindra's expression shift.

She swallows hard, her fork pausing halfway to her mouth. "Mom?" she says, her voice suddenly small.

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"I don't... I don't want anything to happen like last week. Not ever again." Her words come out in a rush, laced with fear.

My heart clenches.

I want to promise her it won't, that we're safe now, but I know better than to make promises I can't keep.

Instead, I reach out to her, taking her hand in mine.

"I know, baby. I know."

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