> You see the flash of metal moving towards your face and flinch back, your heart jumping to beating at a million times a minute for a few seconds before you realize she was doing it just to mess with you. You let out a sigh, just happy that she wasnât hitting you for real. You were all too familiar as to what that metal arm felt like when it collided with your face. You hear her giggle and nervously smile. While she almost gave you a heart attack and scared the shit out of you, you at least managed to coax a giggle out of her.
> You recollect yourself and start to calm down, taking a few deep breaths. You had finished, and at least that proved that it worked well, however cruel the joke might have been. You clear up the rest of your workbench and stand, dusting yourself off. Still a bit shaken from her joke, even after attempting to calm your nerves.
âRightâŠglad you like it.â
> You didnât think heâd smile back, but it canât take away the enjoyment of seeing the sheer terror on Dirkâs face. You wish you grabbed your phone out just to capture the moment and look back at it when youâre in the need for a good laugh. At the same time, you think about how easy it couldâve been to shatter Dirkâs jaw if you didnât stop. That elicits yet another laugh as your metal arm falls to your side.
âGood work, Iâll have to say. Iâm sure Iâll put it into better use soon!â
> Not one word of comfort given to the Strider, but at least you can acknowledge the fact he made your arm better. No one can say you werenât grateful.
âSince thatâs done, Iâll finally be heading back now.â
> You hate to think that she has to leave, but you knew there was nothing else you could really do for her. If you had your way, she could live at your house, no matter how abusive she was, you wouldnât get tired of her company. However, you  knew that it wasnât realistic, and was even a little creepy. You let a long sigh and nod.
âI canât do much else for you right now, but please come back if you need anything.â
> You say, your eyes silently begging for another reason to have her stay or return, although you personally felt that there was no reason anymore. You were like a lost puppy now, sad without itâs owner, no matter how bad the abuse got.












