[Hadn't they, though? He remembers that being the final motivation, to separating himself from Twila at that time.

But Riku must mean a time before even that. Were they more heavy-handed then, he wonders?]

Communicating's not an issue. Twila's selfish and seeks attention. But it hasn't shown that manipulative streak I remember from when we first met. It's never satisfied, but it's content. I think it's just happy to have its freedom again. Makes for one eager teacher, anyways.