...yeah, go ahead, laugh at me. But know this: I'm VERY, VERY sorry about that. Not even Grandmom could take that away, unless...

*sobs at the corner for some time.

The cat I hit got plunged into the pond. I do learn somewhere that cats dislike water, so... *sob ...musta been very painful...

And, there's more... *wipes tears ...in the water, it slowly turned into a... a boy... close to my own age. Winced. Grimaced. Pleaded weakly:

"...help..."

...then fainted.

DAAAHH!! Why? WHY THE HECK did it ever cross my mind...

*fell onto my knees, sobbing again...

*sniffs...

...in any case, the cat-boy is being treated. In my room (TOO MUCH?! He deserved way more!). The healers said it was nothing bad... just the lack of food and rest.

I'm not yet allowed to see him, to make sure.

But perhaps, if Grandmom says he must go, I'll stand up to her...

That boy... is no stranger. I met him only this once, but I feel... like... I can trust him.

My first friend... ever.

"Millicas!"

"...huh?"

She tsked. "Why the 'huh'?"

"Oh... y-yes! What is it, Grandmom?"

"Come with me."

I did.

"He seems to be suffering from fever; lucky how he did get here at all. Grayfia's taking charge of him."

"Eh... so it wasn't because of my throw..?"

"Who knows. Might be he'll stay for days there. In your bed."

"I wouldn't mind! Anyway... has he a name?"

"Ask him that when he wakes. Here we are. Grayfia!"

The white-haired maid, sitting by my bed, immediately stood and bowed. "Yes, Madam."

"How is he?"

"We did all we could. Now, as you can see, he's been put to sleep. Meanwhile, Millicas-sama..."

"Mom!"

"...Millicas. Where are you going to sleep tonight?"

"He could do in my chamber. Fine by me."

"But, Madam, the master..!"

"Zeoticus will consent."

Woah... it's like, "Dare you say no to me?"

"But... to cause such an inconvenience..."

"Or, have him sleep with you. Zechs' not going to be here soon, is he."

"...so, Millicas? Your decision."

"What about him?"

"Someone else will come for him. It's you we're talking about."

"I'm not leaving him."

"Oh, rest assured, child," Grandmom cut in, "plenty of time to meet."

"You will not... send him away?"

"Not when he's like this. So?"

"...I choose Mom."