Of the four of them, Regan is the only one who seems to be responding to this situation in a way Anne understands. She knows she doesn't understand it, not really, not the way Regan's fear is borne deep, established long ago by circumstances Anne can't possibly imagine. She knows very little of where Regan came from, only a few bits and pieces gathered here and there. She's certainly never pressed for more. But she understands the fear, even without knowing much about the root.

She catches the way the girl's shoulders loosen a bit on sighting her, and it makes her feel a little easier too, in an odd way. Like she's not overreacting to this. Her caution, her natural defenses, are worth something to Regan, at least. Even if there's ultimately nothing to defend against, it's better if she makes someone feel safer. Especially someone she cares about.

Regan greets her, and seems for a moment like she might have more to say, but nothing follows. Anne hesitates before returning the greeting — easy enough — and finds herself similarly uncertain.

Anne always feels a bit shaky in her signing ability. She's been learning steadily, and is now capable of carrying on simple conversations, but she's better at understanding than using. Always feels herself getting mixed up, stammering with her hands. It makes her shy to talk to Regan, but that can't matter now. Not when the kid so clearly needs reassurance.

"Okay?" she asks, a word she never uses in any other context. She tilts her head, considering. Slow and unconfident, she adds, "Come to help keep watch?"