Shelly shifted closer, her ammonite shell making a soft scrape against the blanket as she tucked herself against Vee's side. Her cheeks flushed with that little orange tint she always carried, though now it deepened as she whispered, “...Y’know, I don’t usually get to do this. Just… sit still with someone. Most of the time, I’m talking about fossils or sewing or trying to keep up with everyone else.”

She gave a small laugh, muffled as she buried her face against Vee's shoulder. “You don’t mind, right? Me being all clingy like this? I just… I like knowing you’re here.”

For a moment, she was quiet, tracing little circles with her finger along Vee's arm. “Sometimes I feel like people look right past me. Like I’m just background noise. But with you…" Her voice softened, almost fragile. “…with you, I actually feel noticed.”