Valerie took a deep breath before pushing open the wooden door to the shack. It had been several weeks since Mr. Forkle had told her that Sophie had healed Prentice's mind. She hadn't seen him since before her kidnapping. She had been hesitant when Wylie had asked her because Tiergan had explained that he didn't remember much. His mind had been broken for so long that his memories were a mangled jumble of words and images. Now, it was their job to help him sort it all out.

She had hardly walked through the door before Wylie hugged her. "I wasn't sure you would come."

She pulled away and smiled. "He's my dad, of course I came."

Wylie nodded and led her over to the cot.
Prentice stared towards the wall at nothing in particular.

Wylie sat in a chair beside the bed. "Dad?"

Prentice turned his head to face them. He narrowed his eyes, examining every inch of Wylie's face. Finally, it seemed to click. "Wylie?"

Wylie teared up. "Yeah. Hi dad."

Prentice's gaze shifted to Valerie, who stood awkwardly next to Wylie. There was no recognition in his eyes. He cocked his head and squinted as he looked her up and down. He opened his mouth to say something, but didn't.

Valerie held back tears as she backed away from the cot. When Prentice looked away, she rushed out the door, collapsing to the ground crying.

Someone followed her out of the shack and knelt beside her.

Wylie wrapped his arms around her and she turned, leaning into his embrace.

She snuggled her head under his chin. "I shouldn't have come."

He stroked her hair.

"He doesn't remember me." She sobbed, soaking his shirt with tears.

He pulled back and made her look at him. "It took him a while to remember me too." He brushed some hair out of her face. "It's not easy, but it's worth it to see the pieces connect - to see the old him, even for a second."

Valerie laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this yet."

Wylie sighed. "It's not going to get easier."

She wrapped her arm behind his back. "I know." Her imparter rang. Pulling out the small device, Valerie answered the hail.

Dex's face appeared on the screen. "Valerie!"

"What's wrong?" Valerie rose to her knees.

He had a panicked yet excited expression. "Did you ever figure out how to Mesmerize animals?"

She blanched for a second. "Uhh... I never really tried. Why?"

There was a pained noise off screen and a lot of voices.

Dex glanced over at something.

Turning back to the screen, he looked a little green. "Silveny is having her babies."