Her parents seemed surprised when Hikari showed up at their front door on Sunday. Marianna had told them, in no uncertain terms, that Hikari would be attending church with them today. For some reason she couldn’t fathom, they seemed to have doubted she would come. Maybe because she was Buddhist? She couldn’t remember Hikari’s religion coming up in any of their past––civil––conversations, although it wasn’t outside the realm of possibilities.

  Hikari gave Marianna a brief hug when she appeared before taking a seat beside her on the couch. There was an awkward pause as Farren hovered, seeming to survey Marianna and Hikari. And then, with a forced smile, she announced, “We’ll leave in about five minutes,” and swept out of the room. Marianna wondered if she was going to have a “discussion” with her husband. She hoped it wouldn’t be as loud this time.

  The moment they were alone, Hikari turned to face Marianna. “What do you think they’re planning?”

  Marianna frowned over Hikari’s pink-clad shoulder. “I have a bit of an idea, but I’m not one hundred percent sure.”

  Hikari plucked at her shirt nervously and Marianna felt touched that she cared so much. “You don’t exactly invite your daughter on a Sunday outing after spending months telling her how wrong she is.” Hikari, seeming to realize what she’d said, winced and cast Marianna an apologetic look. “Sorry.”

  “No, I completely agree with you,” Marianna assured her. She rubbed her hands along her thighs, trying to remain at least somewhat calm. “They have to be planning something.” She resisted the strong urge to call Alna for encouragement. Alna had, in fact, offered to attend church with Marianna and her parents––in a way that indicated she knew the answer would be a no. Blaze and Sadie had offered to come as well, but Marianna figured the last thing she needed to do right now was ambush her parents.

  “An exorcism?” Hikari offered. There was an amused glint in her green eyes.

  Marianna had to laugh at that––although it came out more nervous than she would have liked. “I would hope they wouldn’t go that far.”

  Hikari gave her a sympathetic look and rested her hand on Marianna’s knee.

  In the ensuing silence, they could hear Farren and Edward from their bedroom down the hall, having a heated argument.

  Hikari stared in the direction of the kitchen, listening to the loud voices of her parents. At one point, Marianna thought she might have heard the word “influence.” It was obvious by the tone of their voices they didn’t mean “good influence.” She winced and glanced at Hikari apologetically, who still wasn’t looking at her.

  “Does anyone ever tell their parents they’re not actually as quiet as they think when they fight like that?” Hikari asked, turning to face Marianna. She gave a helpless shrug, unable to stop herself from hunching over defensively.

  “I mean,” Hikari continued, “you should have heard my parents when they were nearing the end of their marriage. They seemed to yell at each other more than anything. I’m a little surprised Reiko waited until graduation to move out.” Reiko was Hikari’s older sister, who had been in college for about two years by now. “I swear I almost made myself go deaf a few times, blasting music in my ears. I found some new singers I like, though, so that’s an advantage.” She shot Marianna a grin, which she weakly returned.

  Seeing the distress on Marianna’s face, Hikari shifted on the couch, carefully wrapping her arm around Marianna’s shoulders. “It’s gonna be okay,” she murmured in Marianna’s ear, giving her a gentle squeeze. “I’m here for you; we all are.”

  “I know,” Marianna said. “And I love you all for it.” Hikari squeezed her briefly before pulling back.

  Minutes later, Farren and Edward appeared, trying a bit too hard to look as though they hadn’t been more or less yelling at each other mere moments before. Marianna resisted the urge to sigh. This was going to be a long service.

  “Ready to go?” Farren asked them. Their displeasure at Hikari’s presence was poorly concealed. Once upon a time, her parents had thought Hikari was a delightful girl and a good friend. Now they seemed to be suspicious of any girl Marianna spent time with.

  Edward seemed to observe Hikari and Marianna’s seating arrangement. Admittedly, the space between them was essentially nonexistent but Marianna and her friends had always been rather comfortable around each other. The one time Alna had caught Hikari laying across Marianna’s lap, laughing, she’d simply cocked an eyebrow in clear amusement.

  “I know I am,” Hikari announced a bit too brightly. She stood. “I haven’t been to a Christian church for a few years. This’ll be an interesting experience.”

  Farren pursed her lips in clear displeasure.

  The drive to the church was awkward to the point of being suffocating. Even Hikari, for all her earlier attempts to dispel the tension, didn’t say a word. When Edward pulled into the gravel parking lot outside the church, Hikari shot her a wide-eyed look. Marianna gazed back grimly.

  Despite her parents’ less than subtle suggestions that she could sit next to them, the two girls seated themselves next to each other, a little ways away from Marianna’s parents. Hikari glanced around the room with clear interest, her eyes lingering on the large, wooden cross at the front.

  Marianna hadn’t been to this church in quite some time. She wasn’t atheist, nor was she against religion, but Marianna had trouble paying attention to the services. Some of them were insightful, Marianna would admit, and made her give some things serious thought. Others were so boring Marianna ended up daydreaming more than anything.

  After she came out, going to church became an awkward affair and it wasn’t long before Marianna stopped going altogether. Although she’d gone with the Holt family a few times. That was nice.

  There were few differences since Marianna had been her last. A dark blue carpet led to the front, with pews on either side. Every window was made of stained glass, depicting anything from Mary holding Jesus in her lap to a simple flower. The windows, when the sun hit them right, cast colourful lights around the room, which Marianna had always found pretty.

  On the back of each pew was a built-in section to store the Bibles and hymn books, all black with a golden cross on the front.

  “How long do these services usually last, again?” Hikari whispered, leaning over toward Marianna. The piano player was already playing a song on the piano located to the right of the miniature “stage.”

  “An hour, usually,” Marianna replied. “Unless there’s lunch afterward, but I don’t think that’ll happen today.”

  Hikari nodded her head in understanding, sitting up straight once more. Marianna wished, not for the first time, that the pews they were sitting on had cushions. There were some small cushions available, but they were generally reserved for people who needed them. Like the elderly.

  Seeing as there were a few minutes until the service started, Marianna checked her phone, pleasantly surprised to find encouraging text messages from both Blaze and Sadie.

  You’ve got this, girlfriend. Don’t let anyone get you down, Sadie had texted. Marianna smiled a bit, certain that the “girlfriend” was Sadie’s version of a joke.

  Blaze had sent her an image of the “We can do it!” poster. He’d edited the woman in the poster to have blonde hair.

  Alna had sent her encouragement earlier that morning. Knowing that Alna preferred not to go overboard with anything, Marianna figured she wouldn’t hear from her until after the service.

  “Nice outfit, by the way,” Marianna said, leaning toward Hikari once more. She had to raise her voice a bit to be heard over the music.

  Hikari grinned at her. She was wearing a long-sleeved, pink sweater with bright blue swirls adorning it. A pair of simple blue jeans accompanied the sweater along with black, knee-high, “winter” boots that looked like they were more fashionable than warm.

  “Thanks. I thought I’d let my inner fashionista come out to play today,” she explained, seeming pleased that someone had noticed the effort she’d put into her outfit. “You know, I’ve been designing some of my own clothes as well.”

  She told Marianna about a dress she was drawing up, which consisted of a few layers of see-through fabric, with a solid piece underneath to retain modesty. Marianna listened with genuine interest, right up until the pastor bid them good morning. At that point, both she and Hikari fell silent, turning to face the front.

  Marianna stood and sat as ordered, singing along with the congregation when asked to do so. The singing had to be Marianna’s favorite part of the services. She wasn’t a particularly good singer herself, but she had a tendency to enjoy the songs picked out. Not to mention that singing along with a large group of people had a certain sense of unity to it––a sense of belonging. Gradually, as the service went on, Marianna relaxed more and more, even finding it in her to enjoy parts of it. She never stopped casting sidelong looks at her parents, though. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

  Her instinct proved to be on point about halfway through the service. The children left to attend Sunday school and the sermon was finished. It was now time for the “prayers for the people,” which Marianna had been looking forward to somewhat. She had had every intention of praying for Mr. Corday––that he would rest in peace, that his killer would be brought to justice one way or another––but, as it turned out, that was not going to happen. Instead of stepping aside so that someone else could take over the prayers, Pastor Alex lifted his head to survey the crowd.

  “I would now like to ask Ms. Marianna Whitlock to step forward,” he announced solemnly.

  Marianna felt like she’d had a bucket of ice water tossed on her; her breath stuttered. Crap, she couldn’t be having a panic attack, could she? Not here, not now. Especially after she had avoided them for so long. She pressed her hands together, willing herself to calm down, willing her breathing to return to normal. There hadn’t been any triggers––at least, not the normal ones that set her off. Why was she––

  There was a hand on her knee. Marianna blinked twice, looking up to meet Hikari’s concerned gaze. Seeing that she had caught her friend’s attention, Hikari leaned toward her, ignoring the awkward silence that hung in the air.

  “You don’t have to. We can go,” Hikari whispered right in her ear.

  Marianna breathed deeply a few times, counting to ten. Just like Pedro had instructed her to do. She laid a hand on Hikari’s arm.

  “It’s fine; I’ll get it over with.”

  As she edged her way past her parents, Marianna met Farren and Edward’s eyes in turn. Something twisted in her stomach, even worse than before. Edward looked grimly satisfied––even triumphant––while Farren looked… pleased. If a bit annoyed. Clearly, she still wasn’t all that happy with Hikari’s presence.

  It was moments like these that Marianna wondered where her parents had gone. Where the “unconditional” love they had for her disappeared to.

  Marianna tried not to look as if she was marching to her death as she made her way to the front of the room. She kept her back straight, her eyes locked on the cross adorning the far wall. She even sent a brief prayer for strength.

  When Marianna stepped onto the raised platform, she gave Pastor Alex a nervous smile. He looked to be around her parents’ age––somewhere in his forties––with a kind face and professionally arranged black hair. Pastor Alex had been their pastor for two years by now and always seemed to remember Marianna’s name and the few details she told him about her life. She had always found that rather flattering and wasn’t afraid to admit that she had found him attractive at one point.

  Marianna had a feeling that this next encounter would change the memories of her former crush to nothing but bitter recollections.

  Pastor Alex held his hand out her, palm up. With only the slightest hesitation, Marianna placed her hand in his, allowing his warm hands to enclose it. Two years ago, she thought bitterly, she would have been freaking out by this point––for a much different reason than she was right now. At least it wasn’t showing on her face. She hoped.

  The pastor began to pray. He asked God to “help the Whitlock family through these trying times, as they struggle to walk in Your light.” Safe, so far. And then, another bucket of water was tossed over her: “We would ask especially that you help your daughter, Marianna, as she struggles with her sinful affliction.”

  Marianna felt the sudden urge to vomit. Her eyes, which had already been closed for the prayer, squeezed together tightly.

  “We ask You, Father, that you bring her back into the path of righteousness, and away from the worldly pleasures that may prevent her from walking in Your way,” the pastor continued.

  This went on for a few minutes, as Pastor Alex’s prayers became more specific. With every word, Marianna’s cheeks became hotter. It took every bit of her resolve not to tear her hand away from the pastor’s and bolt down the aisle to escape this horrible reality. When Pastor Alex reduced her and Alna’s relationship to nothing more than “carnal desires,” Marianna felt a sudden, unholy desire to strike out. Or scream. Or cry.

  Contrary to what the pastor implied in his prayers, Marianna and Alna had never gone farther than kissing. Rather intense making out, sure, but that was it. Alna always pulled away at the first sign of discomfort from Marianna, never pressuring her to do anything, and never making her feel guilty for not being ready. To hear an outsider reduce their relationship to something so meaningless–– Marianna felt a helpless rage boil inside her. Tears gathered behind her eyelids.

  “In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen,” Pastor Alex finished. The rest of the congregation repeated the last word and Marianna opened her eyes, lifting her head. She pursed her lips, saying nothing as she attempted to keep her composure.

  Stolen story; please report.

  The moment the pastor released her hand, Marianna was making her way down the aisle, doing her best not to look at anyone. Back straight, shoulders thrown back, she kept going. She could feel the eyes on her, some sympathetic, others judgemental and accusing. Marianna ignored all of them, staring ahead. Or, rather, she tried to ignore them. She could feel at least thirty pairs of eyes boring into her, and––

  Oh, God, she couldn’t do this.

  As she approached the third row, Farren and Edward stood to allow her to retake her seat. Marianna walked right past them.

  She pushed the double doors open, allowing them to swing shut as she turned right. Moments later, Marianna heard those doors open again. She didn’t stop walking until she reached the ladies’ room, and locked herself in one of the stalls. With a shudder, she placed her head in her hands, sliding against the metal wall of the stall until she was sitting on the cool, white floor.

  Soon, the door to the ladies’ room was open and Hikari’s worried voice filled the room, nearly deafening in the silence. Marianna’s shoulders shook, tears falling down her flushed cheeks.

  “Mary? Are you all right?”

  “What do you think?” Marianna muttered against her knees.

  “Yeah, stupid question,” Hikari agreed. She moved closer and Marianna could see her fashionable winter boots under the metal door. Soon her knees appeared as she knelt on the unclean floor. She must have hated dirtying her clothes like that. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Can you make my parents not hate me?” Marianna all but snapped. She didn’t even feel guilty afterward. That would come later.

  “I don’t think they hate you…” Hikari trailed off, seeming to realize her words were less than helpful. “They’re idiots.”

  Marianna let out a wet laugh before she breathed deeply, trying to calm down her racing heart. “Where are they, anyway?” She’d half expected them to follow her out––to scold her for leaving if nothing else.

  “They stayed in the ceremony––thing. I mean, I haven’t seen them for the last couple minutes, so…”

  She couldn’t help it. Her shoulders jerked with a gut-wrenching sob. Farren and Edward must know by now that they had upset her, and they weren’t even going to check if she was all right? If she was at all emotionally or mentally stable? Did the fact that she was still in therapy mean nothing to them?

  “I think aliens abducted my parents,” she choked out. Her breaths were coming hard and fast now. She wondered if she was going to panic, right here on the dirty floor of the ladies’ room. Next to a toilet, no less. For one hysterical moment, she almost burst out laughing.

  “I’d believe it.” The humor in Hikari’s voice was weak.

  And there it was. That stab of guilt; guilt that she was such a cause of worry for one of her closest friends.

  “Mary,” Hikari said, her voice cracking. She sounded as if she were about to weep herself. “Let me in. Please? I need to know you’re okay.”

  For a moment, Marianna didn’t move. Instead, she pressed her forehead against her knees, eyes squeezing shut as she tightened her arms around her legs. And then, with a quiet sigh, Marianna unfolded herself, reaching up to unlock the metal door.

  Hikari was on her in a heartbeat. She all but tumbled into the stall, her arms immediately enclosing Marianna. Marianna heard a relieved sigh as Hikari tightened her arms around her.

  “It’s gonna be okay,” Hikari murmured. “We’ll deal with it.”

  And the dam broke. Marianna lost what little resolve she might have gained and broke down. Whimpering, Marianna buried her face against Hikari’s shoulder, sobs shaking her frame once more.

  “Shit,” Hikari swore, making her jump. Hikari wasn’t the type of person to use profanity often. None of her friends were. If she was swearing now, then it meant she felt out of her depth.

  “You’re not gonna have an attack, are you?”

  As Marianna had predicted, Hikari sounded overwhelmed.

  “I don’t think so,” Marianna answered. It looked like she had averted that particular dilemma.

  “Okay. That’s good, at least,” Hikari muttered. More to herself than Marianna, it seemed. “Um… crap, what do I do?” Hearing the lost note in Hikari’s voice only heightened her guilt. Marianna tried to push herself away, to wipe her tears and regain her composure.

  Hikari, however, didn’t seem too keen on letting her go. Her grip on Marianna tightened once more. And then she said, “Give me your phone.”

  Twin tears escaped her eyes as Marianna blinked in surprise. She retrieved her phone from her purse and handed it to Hikari.

  A few moments later, Hikari said, “Hi. Alna?”

  Pause.

  “No,” Hikari continued, “she’s fine.” She gave Marianna a worried look. “Physically speaking.” Hikari listened to what Alna had to say for a moment before saying, “We’re at the church right now. There was an… incident a few minutes ago and Mary’s pretty upset. I was hoping you could come pick her up; she needs you right now.”

  Well, Marianna wasn’t going to pretend that wasn’t true. With a sigh, she allowed herself to go boneless, leaning her weight into Hikari’s side. Hikari squeezed her shoulder.

  “Yeah. I think there’s only one of this of church in the city, but I’m not sure. Do you need directions?” Another brief pause. Marianna could faintly hear Alna’s voice––brisk and professional––over the speaker. “Right. Okay. We’re actually in the bathroom. Can you meet us here?” Pause. “See you in a few minutes.”

  Hikari hung up without saying goodbye, handing Marianna’s phone back to her.

  “I hope you don’t mind. It seemed like the right thing to do.” Hikari sounded anxious. Apologetic.

  “I don’t mind at all,” Marianna said. Her eyes slipped closed. “Thank you.”

  It appeared as if she was done crying, for the moment. Although she felt drained, Marianna knew it would only take the smallest trigger to set her off again.

  “Anything for you, Mary.” Hikari hugged her.

  Marianna didn’t know how much time passed, but she was fairly certain that, when Alna appeared, the church service had ended. It was only when she felt herself being shifted into another set of arms, and a coat was being settled over her shoulders, that Marianna bothered to open her eyes.

  “Hello,” Alna said when Marianna’s gaze met hers. There was a hard set to her jaw, although the look she gave Marianna was gentle. Alna brushed a blonde lock of hair behind Marianna’s ear, fingers grazing her cheek. “I’m going to take you to my house now.”

  It wasn’t a question or a suggestion, but a statement. One that left no room for argument.

  Marianna had no desire to argue, anyway. She allowed Alna to help her up, supporting her weight as she guided Marianna out of the ladies’ room. Marianna shoved her arms into the sleeves of the coat as they walked. Hikari followed a few paces behind.

  As she had predicted, the service must have ended a few minutes ago. When the three girls exited the ladies’ room, the displeased faces of Farren and Edward Whitlock greeted them.

  “Marianna Jane Whit––” Farren began.

  “I’m sorry, and you are?” Alna asked in a controlled voice. Marianna shifted enough to give her a confused look. With her eidetic memory, there was no way Alna had forgotten her brief encounter with Farren, all those months ago. If she was pretending otherwise, then it was likely for a reason.

  When Marianna glanced in Farren’s direction, a flicker of recognition flashed across her face. Still, she replied. “I’m her mother.”

  “Hm,” Alna hummed. Edward was looking at Alna with slowly dawning realization, his face becoming enraged. For one wild moment, Marianna feared he’d try to do something to Alna and tried to pull away so she could take a stance in front of her girlfriend. Alna, though, didn’t release her––one of the few times she had refused Marianna’s inclinations.

  She doubted Edward would try anything with the various churchgoers still present. Small blessings, she supposed.

  Farren’s face darkened further. “Is something funny?”

  “I suppose it depends on what your definition of ‘funny’ is,” Alna responded, sounding thoughtful. “I, however, find it interesting that you so readily grant yourself the title of Marianna’s mother, considering the state I found her in.” She pulled Marianna, if possible, closer. “My parents never would have deliberately caused me or my brothers such distress. Not without a good cause.”

  People had stopped to stare, seeming fascinated by the debacle. The fact that Marianna recognized some of them only made the situation worse. Marianna pressed her face against Alna’s shoulder, trying to block the world out. She just wanted to go home–– No, not home. Alna’s place.

  Although the house that was supposed to be her home hadn’t felt like one in a long while.

  “And exactly who are you to tell us how to raise our daughter?” Edward asked, his voice low in an obvious attempt to be intimidating. Hikari gripped her arm.

  “I,” Alna announced, seeming unaffected, “am her girlfriend. And it is rather interesting, isn’t it, that I, who have known Marianna for less than a year, am more invested in her mental and emotional health than either one of you.” Alna’s airy tone had hardened toward the end, becoming cold enough to make the weaker-willed squirm.

  Farren started to say something, her words sharp and biting. Marianna lifted her head, cutting off her mother as she addressed Alna.

  “Alna, let’s go, okay?” Her voice breaking, she added, “I need to get out of here.”

  Alna turned her gaze on Marianna, her face visibly softening. “Of course,” she agreed gently. Turning back to face Farren and Edward, she said, her voice commanding, “We’re leaving.” She maneuvered Marianna––and Hikari, by default––past Marianna’s parents and toward the exit.

  “Oh, and by the way,” Alna added, turning around once more. When Marianna glanced up, she saw that her father had followed them a few paces. He looked as though he had been about to say something.

  Alna continued, “If I were you, I would try to fix your borderline alcoholic tendencies before you pass judgement on others.”

  Marianna wasn’t even surprised by that comment. She’d noticed over the past month that Edward had begun to drink a bit more than the occasional glass of wine. He wasn’t quite an alcoholic yet, but like Alna had pointed out, he was close to becoming one. Even her mother seemed to indulge herself in wine more often these days.

  Her eyes slipped closed in exhaustion.

  A cab was waiting for them when they exited the church. Hikari took Marianna’s right elbow, guiding her toward it with the help of Alna. The frigid air was enough to rouse her awareness a bit, but not enough to bother taking any initiative. Marianna allowed her friend and girlfriend to guide her, following every instruction robotically.

  She felt like a puppet. She couldn’t bring herself to care.

  The drive lasted somewhere between twenty and thirty minutes. Alna’s arm hadn’t left her shoulders since they had strapped their seatbelts on. Every once in a while, Alna would place her mouth near Marianna’s ear, saying something or other to try and make her talk. Hikari tried as well. Marianna never replied.

  Eventually, the drive ended, and Marianna once again let herself be manipulated. Hikari exited the cab first, while Alna lingered inside a while. Presumably to pay the fare.

  This time, Marianna ignored the stinging of her cheeks the cold air caused. Instead, she laid her head on Hikari’s shoulder and sighed.

  As the cab drove away, Alna once again took her place at Marianna’s side, pulling her close.

  “I’d carry her if I could,” Marianna thought she heard Alna say. “But I’m not confident in my physical strength.”

  “Yeah, let’s not test that out now,” Hikari agreed, her voice strained.

  Marianna was led into Alna’s house, where she removed her winter coat with no help. As out of it as she was, Marianna was not a child and had no desire to be treated like one.

  Soon enough, Marianna was lying on the living room couch with her eyes closed. She could hear Alna and Hikari talking to each other, but couldn’t be bothered to listen to them. However, when she became aware of Hikari’s presence by her head, she was very much aware of what was being said.

  Hikari’s fingers ran through her hair and Marianna could hear the worry in her voice as she asked, “Why is she like this? Is she okay?”

  Alna, sounding as though she was standing near Hikari, replied, “I’m no professional, but from what I can see, she’s overwhelmed. She’s mentally and emotionally exhausted and needs some time to recover.”

  “Oh,” Hikari said, still playing with Marianna’s hair. She sighed a bit at the sensation. “That’s… all right, I guess. As long as she comes out of it.” Hikari shifted a bit. Marianna heard her blow out an agitated breath. “I can’t believe her parents would do something like this.”

  The couch dipped and Marianna felt what she assumed was Alna’s leg press against her foot. “What, exactly, did they do?” Alna asked, her hand settled on Marianna’s leg, her thumb making small, soothing movements. “I have ideas, but I’d prefer specifics.”

  “Her parents must have talked to the pastor guy at some point. He tried to pray the gay––or something––out of Mary. In front of everyone.” In a softer voice, she added, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so embarrassed.”

  Hearing the concern in her friend’s voice made tears appear behind Marianna’s closed eyelids. She half wanted to sit up and assure the two girls that she was fine––or going to be––but couldn’t muster up the will to do so. Marianna laid there, eyes closed, unwilling to face the world just yet.

  “Well,” Alna said, her voice unreadable. She had pulled up her mask, it seemed. “It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. I suppose we should be grateful that they have not taken more drastic measures.”

  “Yeah,” Hikari agreed after a pause. She sounded sceptical.

  There was another stretch of silence, in which Hikari and Alna remained by her side. A few times, Marianna tried to work up the courage to open her eyes. She couldn’t. Not yet. This was nice, anyway. Quite. Peaceful. She just wanted a few minutes of peace.

  “You know,” Hikari said at some point, “I’m glad she has you.” Alna gave no reply, although Marianna could picture her giving Hikari a curious look. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, this part is an absolute nightmare, but still. She really likes you, and you seem to make her happy. Mary’s one of my best friends, you know, and I want the best for her.” She brushed Marianna’s hair from her face, which her fiddling hands had shifted.

  Alna’s pause was brief. Her hand stilled on Marianna’s leg, much to her displeasure. “Thank you. I appreciate that you think so.”

  “No problem.”

  Again there was silence. Marianna wondered where the rest of the Holts were. Perhaps they’d gone to church and the service ran late? Not that it mattered. She was just grateful they weren’t around to see the state she was in. Again.

  There was some movement by her head and Hikari spoke up once more. “I want to make Mary some hot chocolate. Do you mind if I use your kitchen?”

  “Not at all,” Alna replied. She explained where to find the required ingredients and utensils, resuming her comforting movements on Marianna’s leg.

  “‘Kay. Do you want anything?” Hikari asked, her voice farther away now.

  “No. But thank you.”

  Once Hikari was gone, Alna let out a sigh of her own and stood up. Her hand moved to cup Marianna’s elbow.

  “I know you’re not sleeping, if that is what you are trying to make us think.”

  Marianna opened her eyes, meeting Alna’s concerned gaze.

  “I thought you knew everything,” she mumbled.

  The corner of Alna’s lip twitched up. “I know plenty, but nowhere near everything.”

  “Really,” Marianna said, pretending to sound sceptical. Alna gave her a smile, although it was a small one. The worry on her face was completely unmasked.

  “How are you feeling?” Alna asked. This time she moved her hand to cup Marianna's cheek.

  “I think you know the answer to that.” Marianna leaned her face into Alna’s palm, unable to help herself.

  “I do,” Alna agreed. “But I’d like to hear it from you.”

  Marianna drew in a long breath, closing her eyes as she let it out. When she opened them again, Alna hadn’t moved an inch. Tears once again stung Marianna’s eyes.

  “I’m so sick of all the fighting and yelling. It’s so hard, and I’m tired.” She drew in another shuddering breath. “I don’t think I can keep going on like this.”

  “No,” Alna concurred. “I don’t believe you can. You shouldn’t have to.” She stroked Marianna’s cheekbone with her thumb. Her dark hair hung over her shoulders as she leaned over her.

  Marianna felt pathetic for it, but she asked, “What should I do?” She could hear the plaintive edge in her own voice and winced internally.

  “That,” Alna replied, “is not for me to decide. As much as I wish I could be of more help.”

  Instead of saying anything in response, Marianna pushed herself up enough to wrap her arms around Alna’s waist. “I know. I guess I wanted someone to tell me what to do.” She buried her face in Alna’s shoulder, unwilling to let go.

  Alna wrapped her own arms around Marianna. “That is something we all want at times, but I can’t tell you what to do, Marianna. This is your life and your decision. Unless I think you are being seriously harmed, I will not interfere.”

  “Okay,” Marianna mumbled against her neck. “I… I need some time to think. Can I stay here tonight?”

  “Of course you can.”