He could barely hear her because he was staring, drinking in the sight of a girl whom he had somehow forgotten, be it by magic, trick or foul play. He couldn't believe it; nay, he refused! But he could not fault the sight of the girl staring back at him, half afraid and yet so courageous despite it. Her bravery was a beacon and he was a ship thirsty for the sight of land.

He could feel the memories bursting into the forefront of his mind, the endless days, those wretched curses. He was in shock and his jaw dropped, unable to form words because there were too many things he wished to say all at once.

Sorry for leaving you.

Sorry for breaking his promises.

Sorry for making Rain care.

But he held is tongue because it was suddenly heavy and cumbersome and so he swallowed, turning suddenly red as he stood up, tripping over his own chair as he pushed it back.

"Uh, yes. It is I, Arthur!"

... but he didn't know if he should rush towards her and scoop her up or have his head examined. This whole thing, that whole city had been a mess from day one. And gosh, yes, he remembered the lamppost. If he could do it all over again, he would have forgotten it completely and given every mark he had to Rain's shy smile.

Arthur, it was well known, was nothing but a fool.