To the ice cream parlor.

Ashley's eyes roam like she's looking for someone, but the punk from yesterday does not make an appearance.

Why would she? She doesn't live at the ice cream parlor, you know?

In her absense, you just enjoy some cold sweets and head back. You're almost at the car again when you notice Tibby isn't with you anymore.

She's stopped two parking spaces back, tensely staring at the family that's about to enter the store.

A man in a suit and an uptight-looking woman lead the way, followed by a young woman holding a leash, the other end of which ends at the neck of a tiny girl in a mouse costume. It's like a gray full body pajama, with built-in footwear and a thin pink tail. Two small, round ears are sewn to the sides of its hood.

The couple walk through the door without slowing their stride, but the young woman glances around and her eyes lock onto your group. For a second she does nothing, then, tentatively, her hand begins to rise as if to wave or beckon.

Only to fall back to her side. Responding to an impatient call, she hurries to follow her parents inside. Her posture is almost as meek as that of the mouse she drags with her.

More important to you is Tibby's reaction. She's still standing tensely. She looks like she's holding it together, but her eyes are damp.

"Are you ok?"

"I will be. I know that part of my life is over, but I still miss her."

"I don't expect you to forget her," you say with understanding. "Just know that you're not alone. You have us now, and we're sticking with you."

Ashley is still confused. "Wait, was that your old owners' daughter?"

"She was a lot more than that to me," Tibby says with a sigh. With your help, she tells Ashley about her old life and how it ended. By the end of it Ashley is close to crying in sympathy, but Tibby's mood has improved considerably. "I'm so glad you convinced John to visit that pet shop. And that you're willing to share him with me. That hasn't changed has it?"

"As if I could handle this pervert on my own. Plus you still have to show me how to be a pet, remember?"

"And when I've shown you everything I know?"

"Then I'll keep you around because you're too cute to get rid of! But seriously, you're not going anywhere. Like John said, we're sticking with you. Now let's go home already!"