"I guess that makes sense," she sighs.

Gregory nods approvingly.

<argylecape> And we can always tell them later if there's a better reason to, or if it starts being safe.

<argylecape> But once they know, we can't do anything about that, so it's better to be really sure we want them to.

"Sensible."

<argylecape> Mmhmm.

<argylecape> So does that sound like the best way to handle it?

<argylecape> I could also just not show up, or something.

"Not showing up risks them thinking you're hiding something as opposed to merely insane."

...no answer.

She shoots her father a look, again. "What he means is that it's best if the D.o.S. thinks you made it up for whatever reason than if you're trying to hide something."

<argylecape> No

<argylecape> Items

<argylecape> It's okay

<argylecape> That's important

<argylecape> That would have been a very bad mistake

<argylecape> And I'm glad I didn't make it

<argylecape> I can probably make him think I died or something, that would be better.

"I guess you can convincingly fake it, it's not like they have you on record or anything."

<argylecape> Yeah, I don't think it will be hard

<argylecape> Just tell them - Sadde too, Sadde knows Hollister - I'm going to go do something dangerous and then stop answering.

"Yeah," she sighs. "This is all terrible."

<argylecape> Yeah

<argylecape> Sorry

<argylecape> I'll let them know and apologize as soon as it's safe to

<argylecape> Just

<argylecape> I don't want to be locked up again

<argylecape> I don't want anyone even trying

<argylecape> That would be so much worse

She reads this, purses her lips, then types:

<PennyLane> Can I explain the locking up thing to Dad?

<argylecape> He should probably know, yeah.

<argylecape> I'm not...

<argylecape> It was never right

<argylecape> Not for any of us but definitely not for me

<argylecape> I'm okay, out

<argylecape> They didn't think I'd ever be but they were wrong about that like they were wrong about everything else.

She explains it all to Gregory—

—who then says, "Honestly, the government is unlikely to care. They don't have enough money and staff to put everyone they'd want to in an institution, and most of all, as far as they're concerned, you're just some 'fugee kid and not their problem."

<argylecape> I don't think I can make myself take that risk

<argylecape> Not if there's anything else I can do instead

<argylecape> I don't think letting them think I'm dead is more dangerous

<argylecape> Just mean

He shrugs.

"Do whatever you need to be safe."

<argylecape> Yeah.

The Yates unpack just enough to be able to eat and do their nightly hygiene and sleep; the next day they're planning to be packing again.

Denice goes to sleep before they do, with her bag all packed and her phone close at hand.

<argylecape> We probably shouldn't take the same train

she sends, after breakfast the next day,

<argylecape> It's not a huge risk right away, but there are cameras, and we don't want to be on them together

<argylecape> I should take the one before yours, I think? So I can warn you if there's anything bad at the station we're getting off at.

She has a brief chat with her father about it, then nods. "Yeah, makes sense."

<argylecape> Okay, cool.

<argylecape> If there is, I'll stay on the train and let you know when I find a safe stop.

<argylecape> Let me know when you're ready for me to head out.