Natasha's POV

When I wake, I find myself alone. I get up and wander downstairs, where I find Lauren and Jacob in the kitchen. They're chatting and laughing, and it's clear that they're getting along well. I feel a twinge of loneliness, and I wonder if I'll ever fit in. I realize that I'm feeling like a third wheel, and I don't like it.

I look around for Silver, hoping for some company. I call out to her, and she comes bounding into the room. She trots over to me and nuzzles my hand, and I smile at her affection. I ask her to make me breakfast, and she looks at me curiously. I laugh, realizing that she won’t make breakfast. She isn’t feeling exactly wel at the moment. But she decides to keep me company, and she flops down next to me, leaning against my leg. I scratch her ears, and she closes her eyes, content.

Lauren and Jacob finally come into the room, and they see me and Silver curled up together on the floor. Jacob bows to me, and he tells me that he and Lauren have been discussing my desire to