You nod without a second thought. After all that Tommy has done for you, how could you possibly tell him no? After being a stuffed animal for as long as you were, you would have felt awful to take some of his freedom away. Or to deny him of some freedom he might have, as the case might be. Besides, he makes a very good point. If he was human too, he could take care of some of your work so that you could have more time to relax! "Of course, Tommy. After rescuing me, you can have whatever you want. I‘ll ask Marisa tonight."
Tommy squirms and squeaks and bounces up and down in excitement. You sit motionless as Tommy exhausts his energy running about the shower, climbing up and down and over and around you, waiting until he collapses panting into your lap. You scoop him back up, holding him again, and closing your eyes. You wish you could just go to sleep now - after however long you've gone without being able to sleep. "Tommy, how long have I been gone? I know that aging doesn't work the same for me anymore, so I‘m not worried about that, but... Please tell me it hasn't been too long."
The ferret looks up at you with a frown, averting his eyes. "Well..." He clearly did not want to answer. But with your persistence, he is unable to deny you. "Maybe... about six months?" He props his forepaws up on your chest. "Don't worry, David! Marisa hasn't replaced you! She never gave up on you - cuz I was still alive! She really cares about you - you're her little sister after all!" At that exact moment, you hear her voice from outside.
"David, are you okay in there? We've got to get you to bed - your first day at work is tomorrow!" You slowly get to your feet, making an effort with the soap for a few moments before turning off the water and making your way to the door. The instant you open it, you're practically swallowed in a massive towel, which covers you on all sides in sweet, glorious warmth. The towel moves quickly around you as Marisa dries you off. Six months ago you might have got defensive about it and insisted on taking care of yourself, but just now you don't care. In moments you're dry, and Marisa helps you climb into thick, warm pajamas. "There we are, David. After what you've been through, I think you need to sleep with me. We need time to catch up. Is that okay?"
You stay quiet, nodding timidly and keeping your eyes on the floor. You don't want to admit it, but your experience, however brief it /felt/ has left some deep impacts on you. More than anything else, you do NOT want to be alone. When you're alone, you stop mattering! Objects don't matter when nobody is around to see you! That's why the time seemed to pass so fast! You were just a dust-collector for the longest time. Nobody ever played with you, or made you feel loved, or anything. Without meaning to, you reach up and take Marisa's hand tightly in yours.
Marisa glances down at you, looking at your expression, before stopping. She drops to her knees, and at that moment you realize you've somehow already walked into her bedroom and were standing beside the massive four-poster bed. She lifts you below each arm, setting you down on the side of the bed. "There we go, David. Nice and safe. I know you've... had a hard time. You need a good night's sleep. Inanimate memories like those will fade, I promise. You've had a hard time, but it will get easier." You nod feebly, laying down against. the huge pile of pillows. Marisa turns out the light and gets in with you, sliding the covers over you both. The warmth and heat of her presence is perhaps the most wonderful thing you have felt all day, quickly settling you down to rest. You vaguely remember wrapping your arms around her body, clinging tightly to her - then you‘re unconscious.
The next thing you know, you‘re sitting up, bright light streaming down around you. Only you‘re not on a bed anymore! Everything has changed all around you! As your eyes adjust to the light, you realize you are...