Where the Heart Is

Num glances in Lani's general direction.

NUM: Is it true you were part of this cult? Did you really not realize what you were signing up for?

Lani is silent for a moment.

LANI: It was several years ago and only for a year. Even then, though, we–me and Nerez–were never formally part of it.

We see a shop in Noarata that seems to be in good shape as opposed to the rough shape many buildings are in nowadays.

LANI: We lived with this one lady for a year or two. Cornelia Difonia. She accepted us into her family the moment she found us.

CORNELIA: Okay, say "cheese"!

Inside the building, Nerez is standing in front of a floral-patterned wall. They flash a nervous smile and give two thumbs up.

NEREZ: Um... Cheese?

Cornelia, an elderly woman with half-moon glasses and white hair tied back, holds a Polaroid camera. She doesn't take a picture, however, instead lowering the camera with a wry smile.

CORNELIA: Come now, Nerez. You can do better than that!

Nerez throws their head back in exaggerated anguish. A younger Lani sits on top of a nearby counter beside a cash register, squinting at some photos in her hands.

NEREZ: But, Corneliaaa–

CORNELIA: No buts! We're getting a good picture of you, and that's final! It's your first day working the register, after all!

NEREZ: What am I even doing wrong? I'm pretty sure I've smiled in every single one of these things.

Lani glances over her shoulder at Nerez.

LANI: It's 'cuz you keep making that face Mimmy makes.

Nerez furrows their brow.

NEREZ: Mimmy, as in... Mr. Jacobs' incredibly rumpled pet cat, Mimmy?

LANI: I don't think we know any other Mimmys.

super used to drawing both nerez and lani all grown up so drawing them both young and before anything terrible happened made me feel things :,) . littlest guys in the world


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