Penelope didn't know it was possible, but she fathomed there must be a switch in the human body that would light up in a brilliant glow of happiness. She felt that switch turn on when she heard the shortened form of her name in Neera's mouth and followed by what sounded like an apology;
Maybe she was mishearing it all, but it was blissful to remain in such a delusional bubble.
"Neera?" Penelope dared to remove the royal honorifics and call her best friend by name to be sure. Worse comes to worst, it was a night in the dungeon.
"It's me, Pen. I am back," Neera sniffled, and quaked out a shaky laugh. "I should be ashamed to ask this, but I so want a hug from you, please... can I hug you?"
