The sight of Phoenix Drop amazed both myself and Vylad. I had been contacting Aphmau through the journey, letting her know we arrived in her city.

"Should we stop somewhere to eat?" I asked Vylad, who was turning around again and again to look at the tall buildings.

"I've always wanted to eat at an IHOP. I've always seen it in Father's catalogues."

We found directions to the restaurant and found a seat in the back, sitting where we hoped nobody we knew would recognize us.

"How do you think Father is reacting?" Vylad anxiously asked.

"Probably anger, like usual."

There was a long silence between us before he spoke again, "When do you think we could go back?"

"I don't know, Vylad... I honestly don't know," I sighed, thinking about all the responsibilities I would now need in order for Vylad and I to begin to start a new life. Jobs, a home, and all of the other necessities.

Vylad and I walked along the sidewalk, sidestepping people who didn't seem to see us for they were too attached to their phones. We reached Downtown Phoenix Drop, which was full of restaurants of all different cultures. Without a doubt, there had to be an IHOP somewhere among this mass of restaurants.

Once we found the restaurant, Vylad and I were seated in a booth in the back corner. The place wasn't too busy, the occasional family or couple dotted along the tables or booths.

"This is incredible," Vylad was saying, "I never imagined the city being so... well—incredible!"

I nodded in agreement, "I look forward to seeing my internet friend. I think you'll like her, Vylad."

"What was her name again?"

"Aphmau."

"Did she know I was coming with you?" He cocked his head to the side slightly, appearing to be a question that was on his mind the entire journey here.

"Oh, yeah. I told her everything. I've known her for several months, and I've gotten to trust her, that's why she's the only one who knew."

"Hm," Vylad grunted, now focusing on the television screen in the corner. I, too, trained my eyes on the screen, intrigued by what it was saying. It displayed a news channel, showing the breaking news of the city.

But what I didn't expect was the name of my friend being said from the audio.

"A female by the name of Aphmau Lorde was in a disastrous wreck no less than an hour ago. Lorde was driving along the intersection on Falcon Lane when a young man, currently unnamed, T-Boned her car. Ms. Lorde is suffering from head injuries and possible amnesia according to paramedics. This is Amber, giving you the Breaking News in our city."

The world seemed to slow down, as I continued to stare blankly at the screen. My eyes slowly went over to Vylad, who had a look of shock and horror plastered to his face.

At once, I stood up, forgetting our orders and placing a small amount of cash on the table. It didn't matter about food. Now, it mattered about finding Aphmau and being by her side in recovery.