I've gotta stick to the plan... 'cause there's no "Plan B"

Philomema blinked with surprise as another image appeared in the water beside her own. Had it been bigger her initial reaction might have been to jump, to turn and face the stranger with her guard up. But no… that little face. She couldn’t help but let a small smile cross onto her face as a laugh escaped her. “You weren’t supposed to leave the den, Nausicaa.” Though her words were lightly scolding Philly didn’t sound mad in the slightest. No, in fact she was grateful for her daughter’s presence. It broke those churning thoughts of doubt and distress.

Glancing back at the water Philomena let her eyelids slide down a little. “Someone used to tell me that when we look into water we see the true reflection of ourselves and the world around. A mirror image that we can’t hide from. It knows our thoughts, our happiness...” ‘...and our fears…’ Philly shook her head and looked back to her little one with a smile.

“Next year, when the waters warm up again, we’ll all go swimming, okay? That’s a lot more fun than looking at reflections in the water.” Philly lowered herself down so that she was eye level with her daughter.

“Now… what am I going to do with a troublesome little puppy who decided to wander away from the den early, hm?” She leaned in closer, preparing to nudge her daughter onto her back after her next words.

“Maybe I’ll let the monster gobble her up!”