Silence lingered after the presentation ended.
Lily didn't look away from Arianne. She studied her face carefully, as if waiting for some clue to appear. When it didn't, she spoke again.
"Is that why you didn't stay?"
Her question was soft, but careful. It wasn't an accusation.
Arianne exhaled slowly. She folded her hands in her lap, keeping her posture relaxed.
"Lily, sometimes staying doesn't mean protecting people.
Lily frowned slightly. "But leaving hurts."
"Yes," Arianne agreed. "It does.
She didn't elaborate further. She doubted Lily could grasp the world's complexity.
Aunt Estella inhaled softly behind her, but didn't interrupt.
"So you plan only to return when you lose someone again?"
Arianne was stunned in place. Her mind, usually occupied with strategies, went blank.
Lily's blunt question caught her off guard.
"So you think it would be better if I stay?" she asked Lily in return.
