A light knock on the door broke Silky out of her reverie. She went to the door and opened it to find Betty waiting.
"May I come in?"
Silky thought a moment before stepping aside to let her pass. She walked in and sat down on a sofa.
"How are you holding up?"
Silky did not answer.
"Chris is really sorry about what he said. It was only a few moments after you left we realized what fools we were all being."
Silky still did not answer.
"He thinks it might give him an advantage in battle, knowing he could regenerate limbs."
Silky sighed, "I knew he'd come around eventually. He's too sensible a man not to."
She sat down across from her. "Is he home yet?"
"I dropped him off on my walk over here. I thought he might recover more comfortably at his own place."
"Sound thinking," there was a small awkward silence before Silky spoke again. "I just want you to know I am not angry with anyone for what was said. You don't have to feel guilty anymore about it. Chris either."
Betty visibly relaxed, "That is a relief. I-"
"I said I was not angry. I didn't say I wasn't hurt." She got up and went to the window to look out, her back to the room.
"Just give me some time. I'll find you when I'm ready."
"And we'll be waiting."
Silky heard the door close but didn't turn to look. She wasn't sure how much time had passed before she heard the door open again."
I told you I'd come when I was ready." Thinking it was Betty or Chris, Silky turned around. But she was surprised to see Erin smiling in her living room.
"Silly kitty," Erin giggled. "You won't be ready for this."
Silky looked around warily. "What are you talking about?"
"Of course," she stood and walked to the back door. "You haven't met my new friends."
"Friends?"
"You'll see." She opened the door. Two monsters walked into the room and stood by Silky.
"Well, what do you think? Aren't they just marvelous?"
"You stole the plans?"
"Yes," she giggled. "But I didn't do it alone."