--She climbed on his neck and seated herself on his back. He got up and walked back towards the cave. Not a word was spoken. The trip was not very long at all, but the silence made it seem to be. When they arrived Marco let Lilia down. "You need something to eat, first," he said.

--He lumbered over to the awkwardly placed counter by the cave wall. He opened the small bread box and tried to get a loaf out with his large claws. He picked one out and found that he had poked holes in it and smashed it. This obviously irritated him. Lilia placed a hand on his paw and looked up at him.

--"It's okay. I'll do it," she said seeing he was having trouble. She got out a loaf of bread and a piece of salted meat and began to eat. Marco watched hoping he could assist her.

--"Do you need anything else to eat?" he asked with concern.

--"No, this is enough for now."

--"Okay…But you should drink plenty of water and get some rest."

--"I will."

--She walked over to the tall pot of water sitting beside the counter and quenched her thirst. Once she had finished her meal and had another drink, she took off her torn dress and changed into her sleeping clothes. The last couple of days had left her exhausted. Marco watched her get into bed. She had no trouble going to sleep and did so very quickly.

--When she awoke, she felt new life restored to her. She stretched and looked around for Marco. She saw him curled up on the far side of the cave facing the wall hiding his face under his paws. She approached him wonder if he was alright. He was making a soft moaning sound that he was trying to muffle with his body. Fearing that he was hurt, she asked, "Are you alright?" He did not answer. "What's wrong?" she asked determined to get an answer.

--He uncovered his face to reveal tears rolling down the sides of his snout. "I'm a monster," he sobbed without looking at her.