[She doesn't remember. Does she? Ran's eyes scatter over the woman -- her aunt's? -- face. How could she not realize that she'd known this woman all along -- that she'd known where she was?]

[What kind of a place is this, that re-shapes and twists without seemingly any regard?]

[But the woman -- Aunt Christina -- is in front of her now. She needs an answer. Ran gropes for one, unused to having to lie.]

A-Ah, I'm so sorry! It's just . . . I've lost Conan-k. [Hold it together, Ran.] Conan. And I'm a little worried. It's such a big place . . .

[She does her very best to pull up a smile.] It's good to see you.

[You should be delighted, her mind, the false part, whispers. You've loved and admired her since you were a little girl, this aunt.]

[Internally, she shudders, biting down on the inside of her cheek.]