[ Riley's never had an aunt before. Both her parents are only children, denying her even that potential connection. It's always been something of a mystery to her; she's somewhat aware of what a parent should do, but what's an aunt or uncle do?
Apparently, it's write a lot of letters when you're in a secure detention facility.
The first letter she got was one of Anne's. As she settled into her new home for the next few years, she couldn't believe it—a letter, already? It's not like she can write back. But, during one of her visits with Mephisto, she tells him to thank Anne for her...even if she doesn't speak German.
All Riley's clothing is provided by the facility, so she may look a little weird, in an orange polo and and khakis. No hair ties, either, so she's been getting used to having her hair down, all the time. ...It's a work-in-progress.
The moment Riley sees Anne, despite knowing she's here, her face lights up. It's remarkable, the difference Anne might spot the moment their eyes lock; though it's not like time locked in the Opera House, Riley carries herself...cautiously. She doesn't want to do anything that could jeopardize any good impressions she's made. Her case manager says she's making some progress. They're working with an on-site psychiatrist. She's starting to get help. It doesn't halt the feeling that any misstep could send her spiraling, any wrong move could ruin her chances to keep seeing her family.
So, she's careful. She makes herself small when interacting with the other Residents, she focuses on the programs to help her pass time or...try and find coping mechanisms, just. Any coping mechanisms.
But, upon seeing Anne, there's a quick transformation. A bright bit of sunlight, as she rushes over, eager and greedy. The girl's got a small glimpse at family, what family should be, and if she thought she was lonely before? It can't compare to now, actually knowing what she's been missing.
It doesn't matter how many times she's seen someone; this is always how Riley reacts to a visit. Probably, one of the other adults has mentioned something about it before. ]
What? [ Breathless, confused, but her brilliant smile doesn't wane. Riley's not quite used to sweeping hugs, but she's going to dive into one, if she can, and she's going to savor it. ] No- no, he was just saying that, come on!
[ The visitor's room is nice though—especially considering the non-contact room, sparse. This is...more like a strange mix of an middle school classroom and a conference room. Riley's one of the older Residents; she barely squeaked by the cut-off to even go to a juvenile facility, so that's to be expected. The facility's visitor's room, therefore, is more skewed to the middle-of-the-road teens.
It's a small miracle that she's here, instead of...someplace much worse, so Riley doesn't mind, how everything looks a bit like childhood. It's not like she had a great one, after all. ]
no subject
Apparently, it's write a lot of letters when you're in a secure detention facility.
The first letter she got was one of Anne's. As she settled into her new home for the next few years, she couldn't believe it—a letter, already? It's not like she can write back. But, during one of her visits with Mephisto, she tells him to thank Anne for her...even if she doesn't speak German.
All Riley's clothing is provided by the facility, so she may look a little weird, in an orange polo and and khakis. No hair ties, either, so she's been getting used to having her hair down, all the time. ...It's a work-in-progress.
The moment Riley sees Anne, despite knowing she's here, her face lights up. It's remarkable, the difference Anne might spot the moment their eyes lock; though it's not like time locked in the Opera House, Riley carries herself...cautiously. She doesn't want to do anything that could jeopardize any good impressions she's made. Her case manager says she's making some progress. They're working with an on-site psychiatrist. She's starting to get help. It doesn't halt the feeling that any misstep could send her spiraling, any wrong move could ruin her chances to keep seeing her family.
So, she's careful. She makes herself small when interacting with the other Residents, she focuses on the programs to help her pass time or...try and find coping mechanisms, just. Any coping mechanisms.
But, upon seeing Anne, there's a quick transformation. A bright bit of sunlight, as she rushes over, eager and greedy. The girl's got a small glimpse at family, what family should be, and if she thought she was lonely before? It can't compare to now, actually knowing what she's been missing.
It doesn't matter how many times she's seen someone; this is always how Riley reacts to a visit. Probably, one of the other adults has mentioned something about it before. ]
What? [ Breathless, confused, but her brilliant smile doesn't wane. Riley's not quite used to sweeping hugs, but she's going to dive into one, if she can, and she's going to savor it. ] No- no, he was just saying that, come on!
[ The visitor's room is nice though—especially considering the non-contact room, sparse. This is...more like a strange mix of an middle school classroom and a conference room. Riley's one of the older Residents; she barely squeaked by the cut-off to even go to a juvenile facility, so that's to be expected. The facility's visitor's room, therefore, is more skewed to the middle-of-the-road teens.
It's a small miracle that she's here, instead of...someplace much worse, so Riley doesn't mind, how everything looks a bit like childhood. It's not like she had a great one, after all. ]