[You did a great job.

She's glad. She tried her best to do a good job, to make things easier. And then the unspoken promise—they were going to take care of her, and she knows it won't be the same just like Winry and Ed know. She can't see the future, can't guess it at her age, but she knows what today will be like. She knows it won't be mama in the living room, just like not so long ago she learned her papa wouldn't be waiting outside the school anymore.

She trembles and breathes, sharp and sad, and then moves to throw her arms around his neck and hug him. Because he said he'd take care of her, and she believes him with all her heart.]

I love you, big bro. I love you and Winry and everyone, and I love seeing you every day...!

[It's unspoken.

Don't leave me behind.

It's a masked plea for faces to not disappear. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not for a long while, even if it's a ridiculous thing to want. She can't fathom how fate can be sometimes, but she does remember Law telling her that life was and will always be unfair in its darkest moments.]

I promise I'll be good. I'll stay out of the way; you don't have to worry about me, I promise-