"I see," Daja said, her expression kind. She still wasn't sure if Howard was someone she liked, but she could feel for him, with what he's been through. "My brother faced the same thing, you know. He used to live on the streets. Although he never tried to eat less food. He actually hoarded quite a bit of it, in case one day it wouldn't be there anymore."

Briar had eventually learned that he wouldn't have to worry about where his next meal would come form anymore, but it had taken a while.

"Yes, we're close. All four of us are - we aren't blood siblings, but we are family. Although we have had times we're we've been at odds," she said. At Howard's quick apology, she smiled wryly. "Of course," she said, amused. "It can be tiring indeed, not having anyone who understands your ways."