[Maria froze in complete surprise at Shadow's response. Maybe there was something she wasn't seeing here, but she was a little confused too. And concerned. Why did he look so grim now? He had been worried enough about her that he had clearly yelled at the other Shadow on the earpiece. It was her that told him that this other Shadow could be trusted. That she was safe. Wouldn't he be relieved?]

I thought....[She started, trying to understand what was going on. She huffed a sigh.] We were just passing the time until you got here. I thought I was going to go with you, now that you found me.

I'm sorry I didn't try the earpiece sooner. I must have worried you and caused upset after we got separated. Shadow behind me has been nothing but kind and good company. There is no need to distrust him.