The bright, cozy living room was enveloped in a gentle glow. Charles sat quietly, leaning against the leather sofa, while the other crew members of the Narwhal stood by the door. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Seeing their missing captain suddenly reappear before their eyes, the crew members were at a loss for how to react. Not everyone, however, was so patient.
"AHHH!! Mr. Charles!" Lily shouted excitedly, spreading her arms and leaping onto Charles, bouncing up and down.
Rattled by the commotion, Charles was forced to open his eyes. He looked at the girl before him, a trace of confusion in their depths. After pondering for a long while, he finally spoke slowly, "Lily… Lily?"
"It's me! It's really me!" Lily replied joyfully, nuzzling her head against Charles's neck. After so many years as a rat, she still hadn't quite broken her old habits.
Charles gazed blankly at the crew members walking up to him. "You… how did you find this place?"
