Ellie didn't make a sound at first. She flinched, but it was only a physical reaction; her mind snapped sleepily awake instead, coming to light in slow increments. She brought her hands up to rub at her eyes groggily for a moment before looking up at Bailey, expression neutral.
Then -- this was something that was getting easier -- she smiled.
"Hi."
This was someone new, and this someone looked at least as tired as Eloise was, if not more. Being human was common ground enough these days, but it was always nice knowing she wasn't the only one perhaps somewhat unsuited for community life.