49

Tephra's eyes fly open in shock as she hisses, "Shhh! Are you trying to get me in more trouble?"

Tamru gives you a sly grin as Tephra recomposes herself.

"I don't want to get into all that," says Tephra. "You're still going to take him out, right?" She punctuates the emphasis with a pointed jab at Flynn. Her target flinches at the gesture.

"Don't worry, we'll still take him out," you say. "And I promise I'll keep you out of trouble."

Tamru suddenly notices the shoes on the floor and swims down to examine them, then looks up at Flynn. "These look nice," he says. "Too bad they'll be crustacean homes from now on. Feels like a waste."

Flynn moves as though to join Tamru, but stays back on the anchoring pole instead. "I guess some crab's going to be living large soon," he says. "Maybe I should have figured out some more practical stuff to bring." He rubs his stubbly face. "Like a razor." He flips his hair out of his face. "Or some scissors."

Tephra smiles, endeared with his hair flip, then sighs and glances pointedly at the outer passageway. Her alternating emotions are difficult for even you to wrap your head around. This doesn't seem like her at all.