Not long after moving out of her parents’ house on Runyon Ave, it became painstakingly obvious that, in the crazed wasteland that was Gothic City, even more so since she’d gotten back than usual, Anya would have an extremely hard time trying to make it on the streets. Not that she didn’t have any street smarts. Things were crazy! No one could survive out there! Confused, unsure of where exactly to go, she made her way across the city by foot, until she found herself all the way on the other side of town at her best friend Bethany’s house.

After a brief explanation of recent events, her friend was caught up to speed, curious as ever, and determined to get answers. Only problem was Anya was just as clueless. The two girls sat on a bed upstairs, Anya’s face unamused as Bethany jovially played with her ears.

"So…They're real?"

"Yes."

"And…Like, you can actually hear with them and junk?"

"Mhm."

“So that means…You’re a…”

“Shhh! Don’t say it. And what’s with all the staring?”

“Sorry! I’m sorry!” Bethany giggled an apology. “It’s just…You have cat ears coming from your head! And a tail!”

“Shhhh!” Anya hissed back. “Someone might hear you!”

Bethany simply shrugged. “My parents aren’t home anyway. Both gone. Dad’s away on business, and mom had to go into work. Crime’s outta control in this city. Oh! My cousin Abby’s in town. I bet she could help you. Her dad used to be some crazy controversial politician overseas. They loved mutants.” Hushing her volume, she continued in her best spooky voice. “Some people say it’s because they were mutants. Wanna give her a call?”

“No, please. Until I get myself all sorted out, I don’t want anyone else finding out about this. I want to fix this problem, not turn it into a public scandal.”

Bethany seemed confused, and quite a bit disappointed. “What? Like, get rid of it? But it’s so crazy cool! I’d give anything to have a mutant power. You could rule your school!” Inspired by her fantasy, her eyes lit up.

“Bethany, if I came out, I’d be a social pariah.” She ignored the suggestive glance which was no doubt a response to her particular phrasing. “‘Cat powers.’ It’s not even that cool mutation unless you’re looking to attract the creepy fetishists.”

Warmly, Bethany reached out and graced her with a gentle hug. “It’s alright. You’ll always be special in my eyes, no matter what. You wanna stay the night so you don’t get shotgunned again?”

“Yes, please.”

"Alright. And don't worry. We'll get Caitlin's family back sometime in the week."

And for once in quite a long while, Anya slept soundly in a comfortable bed; the most comfortable she'd ever had, in a home with someone who truly cared.