"How do you feel?"

“I’m afraid that this is all there is.”

---

{@fragile-mera​}

“…Hm. I’ll keep your words in mind. Thank ou.”

“But, your sentence wasn’t for life. You were only behind bars for—”

“…Oh, wait. Are you trying to compare this house to a penitentiary? Because I can assure you, I could make things a lot less comfortable around here.”

Mera grinned, nodding. “Don’t mention it, Perce. No really, don’t mention it- I have a reputation.” She smirked.

Taking another sip of her mug, she chuckled. “Percy, c’mon, you know I’d never say that. This place is nothing like a prison.”

“...”

{@fragile-mera​}

“…”

“That… actually makes sense. I’ve tried asking this question many times and yet nobody’s ever given me a straightforward answer. …Hm.”

“But, yes. Let’s not add anything to your list of charges.”

“Well hey, if they thought it was weird for you to ask or something, that’s their problem. It’s not that big a deal, honestly. Symbolism is supposed to be subtle, and sometimes even I can’t pick up on everything it’s trying to tell.” 

“So if someone asks about it- it’s just stupid to act like they should already know.” She shrugs. “So, I mean- although sometimes I wonder how on earth you came to some of the conclusions you come to, I’m cool with talking about this kind of stuff. It’s honestly pretty interesting to see your perspective.”

“Symbolism for what? And… how is a hummingbird more meaningful than a human life? That seems contradictory.”

“…Although I’ll agree with your point about the bad documentary series name.”

“Well, for one, it’s a mockingbird. But, I get what you mean. Usually people would put a human life over an animals. But- there’s method to the madness here.”

“See, sometimes it’s easier to relate a certain theme to an animal. Like for instance, Loyalty to a dog. Or grumpiness to a cat. Even if they aren’t all the same- it’s a trend.” She gave a small shrug. 

“For birds, more specifically the mockingbird, it’s seen as ‘innocent’. So, the meaning of the title isn’t ‘To Kill a Bird’, it’s actually ‘To Kill an Innocent.’ And I think that’s way more meaningful. Cuz, y’know, humans can be fickle and harder to relate to than nice and sweet little animals.”

[Percy somehow doesn’t seem to hear Mera, despite her volume.]

“Such an unexpectedly kind gesture. I should repay her somehow!”

“Perhaps I could get a permit to bring her some toenail clippers… so she can have breakfast.”

“THAT WAS ZORA!!! AND YOU!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!”