Zhenlan's expression didn't relax at all. "Even if you aren't going after that thing now, you're still reacting to hearing its name."
"Obviously I'm reacting to it. Something tried to eat me and is still alive. What response would make you feel better? Should I write about my feelings? Make a scrapbook? I think I have purple glitter around, maybe some white to replicate just how it's mouth tried to rip me apart," I snarled.
Fuck being nice. I didn't need to keep remembering ... that.... What I needed was to feel like I was in control, and this was the best way I knew how to do it.
"I'd settle for you not running outside without a plan," replied Zhenlan, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I straightened and stared at him. "I already told you the plan."
"No, you told us you were going hunting."
"That is the plan."
