In which I make a decision

Anya came back. She knocked on my door at about two in the morning on yesterday, shivering and crying her eyes out. She woke up my mom, and the two of us called the police and Theresa and all that. Then we folded out the couch and I sat with her for about half an hour until she went to sleep. She talked until she was too tired to say anything. I mostly listened. I still wanted to tell her so many things, but it didn't really work out that way. I did manage to tell her that I was sorry though.

She talked about a lot of things for that half hour or so. She talked about fairy tales and kids at school and what had happened to her when she had run away and how she didn't know who to trust or if anyone could help her. It was a frenzied, melancholy little monologue and honestly a little depressing. So I just held her and listened.

I feel slightly horrible, but for a while I had hoped that he had taken her. After all, no one really knows what happens to the children once they disappear. I always thought it was something bad, but maybe he just takes them somewhere else. Maybe it's better than here. It's probably better than him just waiting, slowly chipping away at the emotions of a child. What is he waiting for? I wish it was over already, it's the not knowing that's truly painful.

All I really know is that after seeing Anya this scared broken mess in front of me, I wanted her suffering to end. I wanted her to stop being scared. And I'd do anything to make sure it did.

I'm going to find one of the Noctis. I'm going to find out what they know, and what they can do for her and I won't take no for an answer. It's the least I can do for Anya.