[Willow sighs. Not telling Tara Faith was here had been completely unintentional, but she can understand why an explanation is still owed.]

I saw her on the beach ages ago. It might've even been before you came. People come and go from this place all the time - lots of people show up when Sleepers come to shore, take a look around, and end up going back out to sea to... I dunno? Live their best squid lives or something? I didn't see her after that, so I figured that's what happened to her.

[She smiles a little.]

I guess I kind of got caught up in the excitement of you showing up and forgot all about Faith. 'Cause, come on, who would you be happier to see? Her or me?

[The smile spreads to something a little lighter, and more teasing.]

Hopefully it's me.

[Willow turns serious again, and sighs, rubbing a hand over her face. She might be able to still make a small joke, but she is still well beyond stressed by today's everything.]

Anyway. I didn't see her again until today. I didn't even think she was still here. I promise I didn't intentionally keep anything from you. It'd be kind of dumb for me to say 'hey, I'm gonna hide Faith from Tara, but also invite her over to the house where we all live and just hope she doesn't notice.'