Apologies unnecessary (Lynn POV)

Lynn sits on the couch, comfortably curled up, watching a cooking show. Her recent discovery of the joy of cooking had made her want to learn all she could. Anna was a great teacher, but sometimes Lynn wanted other perspectives on food.

She is so engrossed in her show that she hardly notices someone else join her on the couch. Whoever it is is quiet, not interrupting Lynn as she watches. During a break in the show, she turns to look at her companion and is startled to see Kali! The transformed Lilim is sitting with her hands in her lap, eyes downcast, as if thinking about something. If Lynn is truthful with herself, she’s still a little scared of Kali.

She knows it’s unfair, after all, pretty much everyone has accepted her into the family, with the possible exception of Elys. But Lynn remembers being kept in a cage, and being told she would be used up in a magical experiment. It’s hard to let go of that kind of fear.

Kali looks over at Lynn for a moment, and Kali’s face drops. Lynn, seeing this, immediately feels horrible. This poor girl went through so much torment that made her what she was. And here she is, obviously trying to build connections to help her better herself, and all Lynn can do is drive her away.

Before she can say anything, however, Kali speaks. “I’m sorry, you’re still clearly terrified of me. This was a bad idea. I’ll go.”

“Wait! Don’t go. You’re family now, you don’t need to leave.”

Kali sighs, looking down and biting her lip. “I...I came to apologize. For everything I put you through. I know it doesn’t begin to make up for it, but...I’m sorry. If there’s ever any way I can start to make up for it, I’ll do it.”

Lynn just stares for a moment. It’s amazing the change in Kali. Not just appearance, but personality. She might rival Lynn in shyness and nervousness now. Lynn comes to a decision, and scoots over closer to Kali. Tentatively, she reaches out and takes her hand. Kali breathes in sharply, her golden eyes wide. Lynn smiles, amused at the thought of how they must look, a tiny goblin comforting the tall, angelic Lilim.

“Kali, it’s hard, for both of us. I’m still a little scared of you, but I don’t w-want to push you away. You’re t-trying so hard, and it’s obvious that you want to prove that you can be the good person we all want you to be. As for m-me, I look at it like this...if I hadn’t been t-taken, I would never have met Josh.”

Lynn smiles, and Kali returns the expression. Lynn is amazed at the transformation that causes. Kali almost seems to glow with happiness.

“I think the fear will fade quickly, Kali. After all, you’re family now, and family means loving each other. I don’t want you to feel left out of that.”

Kali looks at Lynn, and starts crying. Lynn almost panics, and quickly hugs her. “Don’t cry! It’s ok, Kali!”

Kali shakes her head, giving Lynn a squeeze. “It’s just...everyone is so wonderful. I don’t deserve to be here. I don’t deserve this family. You’re all so amazing...”

Lynn looks up and frowns. “Don’t ever say that, Kali. If you didn’t deserve to be here, you wouldn’t be. You’re amazing in your own way. Please believe that!”

Kali sniffles, and quietly laughs. “I came here to beg forgiveness, and end up being comforted. How does that happen...”

Lynn smiles, hugging her tighter. “Family watches out for each other.”