She hears that phrasing, and appreciates it immensely. 'I'm afraid I'm being very literal,' she admits. 'I don't think there's any chance that our captor will simply set us free. I certainly have absolutely no chance of convincing him, since he won't meet with me. The chances of convincing Sparkles are higher since it's actually possible to negotiate with him.'

She thinks for a moment. 'But it's also true more broadly. Sparkles was held prisoner here. Tortured so badly that the only way out he saw was death. If we can convince him escape is possible, why shouldn't we convince him that we long for freedom and deserve it just as he does? Children do understand that others have feelings too. I'm not saying that it'll be easy. But possible? Certainly.'