You’re growing.

… Look, I know I’ve put on a little weight, but I’m working on that. No need to call me out, sheesh.

That’s not what I meant and you know it, dork. You aren’t needing me to get through the day anymore. There’s still room for me, a place for my existence, but I’m not needed. Just wanted. I’m okay with that.

I mean… I’m learning how to manage myself better. Handle my stress better. I suppose I am doing it without asking you to take an active role in the process. But I am calling on my deities more, isn’t that just replacing you with a different power?

No. The difference is in how you’re doing it. You allow your deities to answer questions and help guide, but they mostly aren’t taking a direct active role. With me, you wanted direct and active help.

You aren’t worried I’ll get rid of you, are you?

Of course not. Look at how I’ve evolved as we’ve grown. So long as you have a goal to strive for, I will be that goal personified. Wasn’t that how you first thought of me, after removing my original fandom origins? A version of you that you wanted to be. Has that really changed?

No, not really. You have, but not that.

Your coping mechanisms have changed. Your goals have changed, and grown. But I will always be here, walking with you through the fires and across the lands.

Thanks, Shorty. I think… I think I needed this.