"Here."

I handed Atmospheric a bowl of oatmeal.

"We used to eat this stuff a lot at home."

"Your entire species is vegetarian."

"Vegetarian?"

"You don't eat other animals."

"That's horrible. Why would anyone do that?"

"It's just something that happens here a lot."

"I already don't like this place."

"I'm really sorry you got stuck here, especially with me of all people."

"I wanna' go home."

"I know..."

There was a long silence. It didn't feel awkward, just sad.

"I promise I'll find you a way out of here. Just give me a little time."

"Sure..."

"I'm gonna' go outside for some fresh air. You wanna' come with?"

"No."

"Okay. Just try not to get discouraged. We'll figure this out."

Atmospheric gripped her hoodie tight.

"Are you cold?"

"A little."

"Here. You can borrow mine and use it as a blanket or something. I don't need it right now."

"But it's raining and freezing."

"I'll be exercising, so it's all good."

"Won't you get sick?"

"Wouldn't be any worse than what's happened to you so far."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. I'm just glad you're safe."

I took off my hoodie, revealing a dark tank top. It was a style my brother and some of my friends wore earlier on in my life.

"Do you want some music?"

She nodded in response.

"I'll play you a band me and my brother are into. It's actually the same one on my hoodie, Bullet For My Valentine."

"You have a brother?"

"An older brother and two sisters. They really helped me out later on when I was going through a hard time. I have a few good friends who listened and talked me down too. Actually, when I get back in, I'll show you something."

"Okay."

I turned on the record I had downloaded to my PS3 and went outside.

The air really was refreshing. I had to get out for a while so I could collect my thoughts. In truth, I was a little angry because I didn't know what to do. I could only devote so much time to helping her, what with my work as a counselor and everything. I guess I was having what you could call a "mellow meltdown". When I finally got back into the house, I was slightly relieved to see Atmospheric enjoying the music.

"I really like this band."

"They were really popular a while back. I don't know much about what they're up to these days."

"What was that thing you wanted to show me?"

"Hold on a sec."

I went back into the kitchen to grab my phone.

"I use a phone to stay in touch with my friends and family. I still talk to John and Rodrigo a lot."

"That's useful."

"No kidding. It's saved my butt more times than you can imagine. There's an old video of my brother I can show you on this thing if you want."

"Alright."

I pulled up the video and gave her the phone. It was an old slideshow video set to rock music.

"You weren't kidding. Your brother really is into Bullet For My Valentine."

"Told ya'."

"His name is Ian?"

"Yep. His name was actually my first word when I was little."

"You really care about him, don't you?"

"Of course I do. He's my brother."

"It's really sweet. Our kids at home get along like that too. Did you make them like that?"

"I did."

"I know I wasn't the nicest before, but I'm thankful for the good things you did for us."

"Don't even worry about it. You're totally justified in feeling whatever's on your mind."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Mhm."

"You said earlier that you were selfish as a kid. What made you change?"

"Introspection."

"Looking in."

"Right. I didn't feel too good acting like that, and the people around me didn't enjoy it either. I mellowed out a lot in my later teens. I still have my little outbursts every now and again, but for the most part I keep myself under lock and key."

"Was there ever any self-hate?"

"Plenty. I've had my fill for one lifetime."

"I'm glad you're still here."

"Thanks. It means more than you know."

"Hey, do you wanna' watch something on T.V.?"

"That gives me an idea. You've never heard of anime, right?"

"No."

"It's 2-dimensional animation from Japan. There's a lot of types; martial arts, romance, comedy, you name it. I've mostly collected martial arts and assassin anime."

"I guess we could try a martial arts one."

"I need to take a shower real quick first. Do you need anything?"

"Not right now."

"Okay. I'll be right back."

"Don't hurry back too fast or you'll forget your clothes."

"I think I'll pass on that."

Atmospheric giggled a little. I didn't think it was very funny, but then again, my sense of humor was so limited you could squeeze it into a dust speck. There was no harm in a little playful banter from time to time anyway.

After my shower, we watched all three of the fatal fury movies. She liked them more than either of us expected. By the time we finished, it was already dark out.

"I need to get some sleep. I've got work in the morning."

"What do you do?"

"I'm a suicide prevention counselor."

"It's really important to you to save other people, isn't it?"

"Their lives are worth a lot more than mine. If I'm allowed to live, they should be too."

"You're too hard on yourself. You've been so nice to me today."

"You didn't give me any reason not to be. That's really all there is to it."

"I don't believe that."

"Anyway, you can take my bed. The couch is comfortable enough for me."

"Thank you."

"Good night."

"Good night, Kyle."