Page 139 of Riv's Sanctuary

Oh.

There was a slight sound and a small metal disk appeared in the counter.

“Deposit your fluid there,” the alien instructed.

Lauren glanced at Riv again.

“Are you sure you want to do this for me?”

What if he was having some momentary mental crisis and changed his mind later?

“I am sure,” was all he said before giving her hand a little squeeze.

Taking a deep breath, Lauren nodded.

Bending a little, she spat on the disk.

With a whirr that made Grot growl, the disk disappeared.

“Registered. Lauren McDonald of Earth.”

The counter whirred again and another item appeared. It was a smooth metal square with no identifying marks.

“Please take your proof of status and exit to the left,” the alien said.

That was it?

Taking the small rectangular piece of metal, it felt warm under her fingers.

She was staring at it wordlessly as they exited the building and even when they reached the street.

“This piece of metal means I am…free?”

Riv was watching her with a strange look in his eyes. Even Grot seemed a bit unsure.

“Yes. You are free to go wherever you want to go and do whatever you would like to do. You won’t have to worry about being thrown in a cell or a zoo anymore.”

She had to take a moment as the feeling of a huge weight lifting off her shoulders passed through her.

Those were words she never knew she wanted to hear.

Smiling, she looked across the throng of aliens. She was free.

As the feeling settled within her, it hit a bump and froze.

He’d done this for her. Given up half og everything he had…for her. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever done for in her entire life.

Tears sprung in her eyes as she stopped walking amidst the throng and stared up at him.

“Riv, I…How will I ever repay you?”

Riv’s throat moved. “I didn’t do it with the hope you’d repay me in some way, La-rehn.”

“But…” Her throat was swollen with emotion. “You hate me.”

A sort of sadness she didn’t expect passed before his eyes before his gaze became tortured.

“Quite the opposite, La-rehn.”