Natalie’s response seemed to cause the spirit some degree of delight- what remained of her mouth pulled up into a smile, and she took a few steps away from Esperanza. In her hands was a model toy train, which she lifted up for Natalie’s inspection. Wet, choking, insistent gurgles came from deep within the child’s throat.
“I am sorry if she is bothering you,” Esperanza said. “It has been a while since she has been able to be seen, so she is very excited.” She reached out, as if to tousle the girl’s hair, although it had no affect.
She was content to stay quiet and listen, deeply fascinated with such unique people, but she was broken out of her trance by Marcus hurriedly excusing himself. A look of worry fell upon Esperanza’s face, and she nodded firmly. “You do not need to apologize for having to go. I hope that things will be okay with your sister, Marcus. Tell her I said hello, please.” And with that, he was off, Esp’s gaze trailing after him until he was out of sight.
With no real destination in mind now that her unofficial tour guide had left, she turned to the pair that remained, smiling apologetically. “I am sorry, but would it be okay if I am coming with you? I do not want to keep you from your conversation, but I am new to the city, and I am still learning where the things are. Marcus told me that I could be using the GPS, but I do not want to be using it too much in case it tries to lead me off the cliff again.”
”Untrustworthy thing.” This comment came from around Esp’s neck, from Chu himself. His tail swished lazily back and forth, the “fingers” of it idly braiding his companion’s hair. ”It offers lies and warps the senses.”
As it would turn out, the odd little creature was far more eloquent than his master.
