it's just been on my mind

 "I can't believe she did this," Joon told Poppy, as if he hoped Poppy didn't think he was the worst. This whole thing shook him to the core. He didn't think Niah could do something like this. 

 "Really, she was napping. I just wanted to get this last load done." Joon explained about the laundry. He felt he needed to invite Poppy in, at least for some hot chocolate, yet all he had was some Apple Cider in the fridge. Joon warmed some up for the both of them.

"It's OK, really." She told him. "Niah seems very independent." Poppy sat down at the dining table and of course, Niah had to show her all of her drawings from her notebook. Poppy interacted with her with encouragement. Before he knew it, Niah was sitting at the dining table attempting to draw a picture of Poppy.

Joon wasn't sure how to be. He thought he might know this person that Niah brought home, but he didn't remember her name. It was hard to start a conversation. He knew she might ask about Natalie, but he didn't want to say anything.

"Didn't you go to the University?" He then asked.

Poppy nodded with a smile. "I was about to ask you the same question," she said.

"Um, we just moved back from Chicago, not long ago," he told her how his step-sister lived across the hall. "I was so sure she would have gone there, you know."

Joon felt bad that he hadn't been more frightened about Niah going out on her own. Now he felt as if he might still have a heart attack. "I guess  I'm the worst."

"Stop saying that," Poppy said. "I have a feeling Niah knows better, now. Right?"

"Yes," Niah nodded with a smile. "I was only out looking for someone to meet my daddy."

Joon's eyes lit. He sighed.

Poppy only smiled at him and took a sip of the warm apple cider.