I wasn’t alone for long. Without a word, Ana climbed onto the couch beside me, curling up and resting her head on my lap. The warmth of her weight grounded me, a quiet reminder of the simple comforts still within reach.

Across the coffee table, Alex and Sam appeared next, their energy unmistakable as they flopped onto the other couch. Their grins were infectious, their bright eyes sparking with barely-contained excitement. I couldn’t help but smile as they leaned in, eager to talk, their enthusiasm filling the room with a contagious kind of buzz.

Alex broke the silence first, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "Information overload today, right? This place just keeps surprising us! It's wild—everything feels so... different. There's so much potential here." They spoke quickly, their words rushing out as if afraid the thoughts might vanish before they could express them.

I noticed Sam trying to sign as Alex spoke, their hands moving deftly to keep up. But Alex's rapid pace proved too much. With an exaggerated sigh, Sam threw up their hands in mock frustration, the motion almost theatrical.

"Alex," I said with a smile, signing along as I spoke, "slow down. Let Sam keep up."

Alex blinked, realizing their mistake. "Sorry, sorry!" They glanced at Sam with a sheepish grin before looking down at Ana. Their expression softened, almost apologetic, as they seemed to realize they hadn’t been practicing their signing while they spoke.

Sam shook their head, a chuckle escaping as they began signing and speaking simultaneously. Though some words were unfamiliar, they glanced at me occasionally for confirmation. "It’s fine. I know you’re excited. And honestly, I get it! I can’t believe how much we’ve learned already. It feels like we’re only just getting started." Their pace was measured, deliberate, with hands moving fluidly as they signed.

I nodded, smiling as I signed along with my words. "It really is overwhelming—but in a good way. There's so much to take in, and every day feels like a new adventure."

Sam’s eyes sparkled with excitement as they continued. "I can't wait to dive deeper into everything. There’s so much to learn—and so many opportunities."

"Do you think you'll stay here?" I asked, the question lingering in the air between us.

Alex glanced at Sam, then back at me. "We talked about it last night. Even before learning everything we did today, going back... it just doesn't feel like an option. Not really. Even if we could somehow make it back to Earth, it would be at least thirty years later. Who knows how long it would take? And what would we be going back to?" They paused, their expression thoughtful. "We don't have anyone waiting for us back there. Here, we have a chance to start over."

I nodded, understanding, and signed along as I spoke. "All I really had was my Aunt Tammy and her kids. I never really got close to them, but Ana did. So, I guess it's up to her too."I looked down at Ana, her small fingers fidgeting with the edge of a blanket. I signed as I spoke softly, "What do you think, sweetheart? Do you want to stay here, or do you want to go back someday?"

Ana looked up, her eyes serious as she considered the question. After a few moments, she began signing. "It might be too weird to go back. I love it here. It feels like I belong."

I smiled, my heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. I translated for Alex and Sam, signing as I spoke so they could see how the words fit with the signs. I only added more explanation when they looked confused.

Alex and Sam exchanged glances, their smiles widening. "We feel the same," Sam said. "From the first day we woke up here, fully healed and feeling better than we have in years... it felt like this was where we were supposed to be."

Alex nodded in agreement. "We're already planning what we want to do. Raise our hunting and tracking skills, maybe even start working with some of the guilds. There are so many possibilities here."

I signed as I spoke softly, "I was thinking about that too," I said, my mind drifting to the idea of a cottage with a kitchen garden, a place to cook and grow food, somewhere quiet and peaceful. "This world is new, and there's so much to explore. I want to learn more about cooking, healing, maybe even have a little place of my own someday."

Sam's eyes lit up. Sam's eyes lit up, and they tried their best to sign along as they spoke. "That sounds perfect, Ani. I think we all want to make our mark on this world, in our own ways. I want to learn the laws here, understand how everything works."

Alex grinned. Alex grinned, signing along as they spoke. "Same. We're looking forward to the orientation classes. I can't wait to start building something here."

I nodded, feeling a sense of unity between us. I signed as I spoke, "I'm excited to visit the Healer's Hall. There's so much to learn."

Ana tugged on my sleeve, drawing my attention. She began signing again, her eyes wide with curiosity. Is there a zoo here? Or a place with animals? I want to go there if we have time.

I laughed softly, ruffling her hair. I signed as I spoke, I signed as I spoke, "She wants to know if there's a zoo or a place with animals. If we have time, she'd love to visit."

Alex's eyes softened, and they nodded. "I'm sure we'll find something like that, Ana. And if not, we'll make it a goal to explore until we do."

We all sat there for a while, sharing our hopes and dreams for this new world. It felt like, for the first time in a long while, we had a future to look forward to—a chance to build something meaningful, something that was truly ours.

Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was about time to head downstairs to meet up with Tommy. I decided to grab a few snacks since I wasn't sure how long we'd be out. I knew Ana tended to get hungry in the afternoon, which could make her more sensitive to things, and though she wasn't one for tantrums, I wanted to keep her comfortable.

"Ana, grab your backpack, sweetheart," I said, signing along with the words. She nodded and fetched her bag. I had cleaned it out last night, and we packed a few essentials—her sketchpad, pencils, and her stuffed rabbit, Clover. I knew these familiar items would keep her content while we explored.

I pulled out a small day pack from the bottom of my backpacking bag and added a few things I thought we might need for the next few hours: my water bottle, a plant identification book, and a light jacket in case it got chilly. I also included a small first aid kit—just in case.

Once we were ready, we headed downstairs. As we reached the kitchen, I paused for a moment, taking in the wonderful, homey sounds of dishes clinking and quiet chatter. Miriam and one of her helpers were cleaning up after the lunch rush.

"Miriam," I called softly, signing as I spoke, "do you have any snacks we could take for the day?" I smiled at her, hoping she might have something handy to keep us going while we explored.

Miriam immediately began fussing over us, moving quickly around the kitchen as she gathered various items. She wrapped fresh rolls, some dried fruit, and wedges of cheese in wax paper, her hands working swiftly yet with a gentle precision. She handed each bundle to me with a warm smile, her face lighting up as she helped me tuck the snacks into my bag.

"Here you go, Ani. These should keep you going for the day," she said kindly, adding a small wink. "If you need more, just let me know."

I smiled back at her. "Thank you so much, Miriam. This means a lot." I hesitated for a moment, then decided to ask, my voice a bit hesitant, "Miriam, do you think I could get some kitchen time? Maybe even learn from you?"

Miriam paused, her eyes widening slightly before a blush crept across her cheeks. She looked genuinely surprised. "You... you want to learn from me?" she asked, clearly touched by the request. "Oh, Ani, I'd be more than happy to teach you. I never thought anyone would want to learn from an old cook like me." She beamed, her smile growing even warmer. "Yes, of course! I'd be honored."

My heart swelled at her words, and I returned her smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you, Miriam. It really means a lot to me." I glanced down at Ana, who was watching us curiously, her eyes bright with interest. "Maybe we could talk more about it tonight? I'd love to help out in the kitchen whenever I can."

Miriam nodded eagerly, her eyes glistening slightly. "Absolutely. And if you help out here, we can even reduce your room rent a little. It's a win-win for both of us!" She chuckled softly, clearly pleased with the arrangement. "We'll talk about it tonight, then."

With everything packed and Miriam's happy smile sending us off, I felt a renewed sense of excitement. The thought of learning new skills, of being part of this community in a deeper way—it all felt right.

We stepped out into the dining room and headed to the front door, where Alex, Sam, and Tommy were already waiting for us. Tommy, as before, kept his gaze down, avoiding eye contact, except for a brief glance when we approached. He gave me a quick smile, then looked at Ana, his smile growing just a little bit softer. He cleared his throat and asked, "So, what's the plan?"

I responded, signing along with my words so Ana could follow. "I think Alex and Sam want to check out the areas where hunters gather and get supplies, and I need to head to the Healer's Hall. Also, is there a menagerie or zoo in town? I don't remember seeing one before, but this town feels bigger than I remember."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Tommy looked up sharply, his brow furrowed as if something about my question puzzled him. Then he looked back down and said, "There is a menagerie. They take care of sick and injured animals, help them heal and rehabilitate." He paused, then added with a small smile, "It's a nice place, actually."

I began to sign what he said to Ana, but before I could, Tommy gently placed a hand on my arm and started signing to Ana himself. His hands moved confidently, the fluid motions of someone familiar with the language. Ana's eyes widened in surprise, her expression brightening as she watched him.

"I learned sign language when I first arrived," Tommy explained quietly, his gaze flicking back to me. "We will cover the languages here during orientation classes. It helps to know how to communicate in different ways, especially with all the new people coming in." Ana nodded, her interest piqued.

"Alright," Tommy continued, glancing between us. "So, we'll head to the Healer's Hall first and drop you and Ana off. Then I'll take Alex and Sam to the Hunter's Lodge. If there's still time afterward, we can head over to the menagerie. If not, since orientation is tomorrow and pretty much an all-day thing, we can plan to go the following day if that works for you." He looked down at Ana for the last part.

Ana's face lit up with excitement, and she nodded eagerly, her small hands moving to sign, "That's good. I can't wait to see the animals!"

Tommy smiled, his expression softening as he signed back, "We'll make sure you get to see them, promise."

With that settled, we headed out. The market had a different atmosphere compared to the tense morning. It was still busy, but with a more relaxed energy. People seemed to be resting after lunch, moving more slowly, their conversations quieter. The sun was lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the stalls and pathways, giving everything a warm, almost serene feeling.

The feeling in the market had changed since the morning. It was still busy, but now there was a sense of calm that hadn't been there earlier. People moved more leisurely, resting after lunch, their pace slower. The sun hung lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over everything. The warmth of the light, combined with the gentle chatter of the townspeople, made the town feel alive but not overwhelming. It was as though the entire place had taken a collective deep breath.

The vendors still called out to passersby, though their voices were less insistent. The scents of spices, baked goods, and roasting meats drifted through the air, mingling with the fresh aroma of herbs hanging in bundles from the awnings. I could hear the soft notes of a flute being played somewhere in the distance, adding a peaceful melody to the scene.

With that settled, we headed out. The market had a different atmosphere compared to the tense morning. It was still busy, but with a more relaxed energy. People seemed to be resting after lunch, moving more slowly, their conversations quieter. The sun was lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the stalls and pathways, giving everything a warm, almost serene feeling. The warmth of the light, combined with the gentle chatter of the townspeople, made the town feel alive but not overwhelming. It was as though the entire place had taken a collective deep breath.

We didn't take time to browse as we had earlier, our focus now on getting to where we needed to go. But I couldn't help letting my eyes wander as we moved, taking in the vibrant colors of fabrics, the intricate jewelry displayed on tables, some shown with an inner light, the baskets of fruits and vegetables that looked so fresh they might have just been picked. At one stall I notices a bird-shaped figurine that seemed to move its head as if it were alive. Was it alive? I shook my head and continues following Tommy.

This place, with its blend of the familiar and the extraordinary, was beginning to feel more like home with each passing moment. The cobblestone streets were filled with life—vendors calling out, children running through the square, and the chatter of townspeople carrying on with their day. Ana clung to my hand, her eyes darting around with curiosity, and I could feel her grip relax a little more with each step. It was as if the wonder of this place was slowly weaving itself into her comfort zone. I glanced down at her, catching the hint of a smile playing on her lips. It was a comforting thought—that maybe, just maybe, we had found a place where we truly belonged.

Tommy stopped at a large fountain in the middle of the central square. The fountain was beautifully crafted, with water cascading from the mouths of carved stone creatures—dragons and lions interwoven, their details so intricate that they almost looked as though they might come to life. The sun caught the water as it splashed down, creating small rainbows that danced in the mist. People sat on the edge, chatting or taking a moment to rest, while children tossed coins into the pool, making wishes.

Tommy turned to us, his voice soft but clear. "This fountain is a good meeting spot if you get separated. Everyone in town knows how to find it, and you all know how to get back to the Inn from here?" We all nodded. He gave us a reassuring nod, and I felt a sense of relief—having a clear place to meet made me feel a little more secure in this new place.

After a moment, Tommy gestured to one of the streets that branched off from the square. "The Healer's Hall is down this way," he said as we began to follow him. The street was narrower, lined with small shops and houses. I noticed flower boxes hanging from the windowsills, the bright colors of the blooms adding a touch of charm to the otherwise simple buildings. The air smelled faintly of herbs and flowers, a soothing scent that seemed to lead us directly to the Hall.

We walked down the narrow street towards the Healer's Hall, Ana's eyes wide as she took everything in—the flower boxes, the people, even the cobblestones beneath our feet. I felt her small hand squeeze mine, and I squeezed back, giving her a smile. The scent of flowers from the window boxes mixed with the distant chatter of townspeople, creating a sense of warmth and life. I wanted her to feel safe here, to know that this could be our home, and as I looked around at the sights and sounds of the town, I realized that I was starting to feel that way myself.

When we arrived, Tommy pointed to a modest but welcoming building. It had a sign hanging above the door with a symbol of a green cross wrapped in ivy. The windows were open, and I could see soft curtains fluttering in the breeze. Inside, I glimpsed a cozy room with wooden shelves lined with jars and herbs, and a few potted plants adding a touch of green to the otherwise simple decor. "That's the Healer's Hall," Tommy said, his voice warm. "If you head back the way we came, you'll end up back at the central district."

He gave a small, gentle smile at Ana, who had been listening intently, her eyes following his every movement. She signed a quick "thank you," and Tommy nodded, his smile growing just a bit as his shoulders relaxed, his posture softening in response.

Then, Tommy turned his attention to Alex and Sam, giving them directions to their next destination. His brow furrowed slightly, and he pointed down the road as he spoke, his voice becoming more focused, explaining the route carefully, ensuring they understood every turn they would need to take. "The hunter's lodge is a bit farther out," he said, "but it's well-marked, and you'll see other hunters heading that way, so it should be easy enough to find. I will walk with you to the turnoff today, so you’ll know the best way to get there without detouring to the Healer's Hall. It's always useful to know where the Healer's Hall is, although there are many medical practices throughout Gyrica."

Alex and Sam listened, nodding with determination. I reached out, giving them both a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Good luck, you two. We'll see you back at the Inn later. If something changes, we'll send a note."

Sam grinned, signing back, "Got it. See you both later." Alex gave a thumbs-up, their eyes bright with excitement. Sam leaned down and put their arms out, asking for a hug from Ana. She accepted, leaning her shoulder into Sam for a shoulder hug, her face softening into a shy smile as she closed her eyes, comforted by the gesture.

Tommy gave a final nod, then turned back toward the street we had come from, waving goodbye to us but not speaking. His shoulders seemed to relax as he walked away, a small but genuine smile lingering on his face. As he walked away, I glanced back at Alex and Sam, watching them head off on their own. A small pang of worry tugged at me, but I pushed it aside. They were capable—I remembered how Alex had navigated us through the forest when we first arrived, and how Sam had quickly adapted to the strange customs here. This was part of our journey—each of us finding our own way in this new world. The newness of this place, combined with the challenges we'd already faced, made it hard not to worry. But I knew they needed to navigate it on their own, just as I did.