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Vera had promised herself she would do this. Unfortunately, that didn’t make it any easier to do.
She could feel her heart thudding in her chest, impossible to ignore. Her stomach twisted and ached in a way that she couldn’t entirely blame on the lingering effects of atroquinine.
Did people really go outside every day like it was nothing? Was Vera the only one who felt scared, or did everyone else just hide it better? It had taken all of her strength to leave Drew Studio and make the journey to a new place without any good luck charm or magic to help her. Though of course, she now knew that gift had never been good luck to begin with.
Vera took a deep breath. She needed to focus on her resolve, not how scared she felt. She owed it to him.
With an unsteady hand, Vera rang the doorbell.
The door swung open to reveal Phoenix Wright. “Hey there, Vera. Come on in.” He stepped aside for her to do just that.
Vera walked in, taking in the many objects and colors around the office. That floating spaghetti had to be Trucy’s magic at work. It was a place she would love to sit down and sketch.
Phoenix closed the door behind her. Wordlessly, Vera held out the bag she had brought with her.
“Hm?” Phoenix reached out and took it, looking inside. “Oh, thanks for returning these. Did you like them?”
Vera nodded. She had watched every single tape he gave her during her hospital stay. She opened her sketchbook and showed him her drawings of the Steel Samurai, Pink Princess, and Evil Magistrate.
Phoenix scanned her art. “These are great,” he said. “Very dynamic poses.”
Vera brightened ever-so-slightly. “Th-thank you.” She’d made an effort to give a sense of motion to the characters.
“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Phoenix leaned back. “...Uh, Vera?” he pointed at his mouth.
To her horror, Vera realized her fingernails were pressed between her teeth without being aware of it. She quickly dropped her hand.
“What’s on your mind?” Phoenix asked.
Vera took a deep breath. “I-I’m sorry.”
The words sounded weak coming out of her mouth. They felt inadequate in the face of the loss of his badge for seven years. What could she say that would make him understand without excusing it? “I didn’t mean to hurt you…but I did. I’m sorry.”
“I forgive you,” Phoenix replied firmly, without hesitation.
Vera blinked. For a moment, neither said anything.
Finally, Phoenix broke the silence. “You remember what I told you when we first met?”
Vera pulled out her sketchpad and drew a smile. She made a small one of her own.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Phoenix said.
Vera put her sketchpad down. “Your eyes don’t look so sad anymore.”
“Ah, well,” Phoenix shrugged and looked off to the side. “I guess things are looking up for the both of us.”
Vera nodded. She looked around the office again. It was a nice office. Full of character. …and she didn’t feel up to going outside again just yet. “...Can I stay here for a bit?”
“Sure. Couch is all yours. Stay as long as you need.”