Alice shook her head in the dark and chuckled softly, the sound quiet and subtle like someone who wasn't accustomed to laughing often. "We're not from the hospital," she assured. "Just don't care very much for shoes..."

Alice sucked her lower lip and tip-toed closer so they were standing a civil distance apart. She gave him a quick glance, then looked down to her feet. It didn't bother her one bit being barefoot. In fact Alice rather enjoyed the simple feeling of the Earth under her feet.

"Don't lie," she chided. "You have your happy memories, light or dark."