Nelphy didn't need a full second to quickly agree. "That… sounds just like Dad."
But though Nelphy shared a warm smile at first, that smile faded at a remarkable, visible rate.
"Is something wrong, dear?" Gina asked.
Blinking due to being called "dear" by a motherly figure, Nelphy shook off her depressed expression. "... No. Not really."
Gina didn't buy it. "Nelphy. I'm a mother of two. I know that look all too well. What's got you so worried? … If you don't want to mention it, then you don't have to. But, please, don't lie to me and say that you're not worried about something. Okay?"
Nelphy nodded, sighing, "... It just made me think about my future, I guess. And whether or not I would change just from training."
Abruptly, Gina chuckled, "Oh, is that all? … Nelphy, dear, I think you'll be just fine. Take a look at Zac. He's hardly changed at all, for the most part. But he's more protective than ever, just like his uncle and father.
