[The look, and the explanation, felt like a weight dropping in Leo's stomach.]

So that flea queen thought Anemone's been the worst version of herself since she met us?

[He was quiet because...was she wrong? It was easy to think back on how shy and determined and optimistic Anemone has been. So certain even what little but she could do to help save her city and the forest would make a difference. But now? After everything she'd been through, she was different- and who could blame her! Losing your home, seeing your loved ones taken from you. It wasn't something that was easy to move past.

It stung to see Anemone making the same kinds of mistakes he had. Reckless, putting himself and his family in harm's way without worrying about the consequences to anyone around him. It wasn't something he was proud of, and he didn't want her to to wind up the same way. Luckily he'd had Casey to set him straight. Anemone had them, but she seemed less and less interested in listening to them.

He reached down and grabbed his phone, holding it in his hands like it was going to bite him.]

When we were helping Tech with his mission.......we found Anemone's dad.