Sunset stained Ira’s aurora orange and purple. Waning light signaled the chilling breeze sweeping over the beach. Seahorses with coral lances jousted for an audience of nymphs clad in seashell skirts and anemone jewelry.

  “See somethin’ ya like, Boy Wonder?”

  Maria shadowed me from the end of the ice tunnel. She hadn’t stopped talking for the past fifteen minutes or so. Exactly the type of company I liked.

  “You know me, dude. Nothing gets me more excited than seaweed.”

  She laughed heartily. “Hear that, Jazz? Dress up like a rice ball, and he’s all yours.”

  Jasmine walked just behind in lockstep with Bradley. Per Maria’s recap, they bonded over a pint, or three, after the tavern performance. Jazz suggested they contribute to Diego’s efforts, and they arrived on the turtle before ours.

  She smiled but shook her head. “Non, merci. I do not think his wife would approve.”

  “Wife?” Maria whistled. “Look at you being set for life. Think I remember seeing you with someone at orientation. She here in Auro?”

  I hesitated. Charlotte’s fate wasn’t a secret–most of this group already knew. But there were reasons to keep the others in the dark. Reddragon made my skin crawl without uttering a word. According to Maria, he sacrificed an NPC to Lord Aboleth without second thought. Ones and zeroes, sure but still so callous. Didn't need him knowing what wounded me. Might not hesitate to take advantage.

  Otherwise our new companions didn’t seem too bad. Hunter and Swooddude69 chatted loudly with Jeremiah about sports and beer. Nightingun kept a brisk pace, only slowing down to share whispers with Reddragon. Not sure if the association made me trust him more or her less.

  Either way, less people knowing decreased the chances of Marcus finding me and Nana. Though I still wasn't entirely convinced he and Reddragon were different people.

  "She's not around," I said.

  Maria sighed. "Thank goodness I don't have to deal with that. No offense, but she seemed real intense."

  "You're not wrong. Hope I get to see her again soon."

  Jazz's glance offered silent concern and condolences. I nodded my thanks.

  “Hopefully not too soon," Bradley said with a similar look.

  "Nah. Gotta keep Maria company and kiddo outta trouble a little bit longer."

  "Damn right, you do." Maria flashed a grin brighter than Lake Ayla's supermoon. "Seven of these dang dungeons, then you can show your wife how much you missed her."

  I grinned back but said nothing.

  The cabins bordering the shoreline became more clear. Each had a symbol etched into its side. Half a dozen were marked with a bed. Three guesses where the barracks were. The other symbols didn't repeat. Roundtable, probably a meeting room. Crossed knife and fork for the canteen. Large shield–maybe training room? Last but not least, the Rod of Asclepius.

  Nana pointed at the final marking. “Why’s there a snake wrapped around a stick?”

  “The Rod of Asclepius is a symbol of medicine,” Bradley said. “Probably the infirmary.”

  Nana tilted her head. “How does a snake and a stick represent medicine?”

  “Ooh, I can answer that,” Orthrus said. “Asclepius is the Greek god of medicine and healing. He’s associated with snakes and staves, so they’re combined to honor him.”

  “Well-learned warrior. Are you a mythology scholar?” Alucard asked.

  Orthrus chuckled and scratched the back of his head. “Just a little.”

  “Do you have a favorite story?” Bradley asked.

  “The Odyssey, of course. Harrowing misadventures where the hero eventually makes it home. Something I think we can all relate to.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” Jeremiah high-fived Swooddude69 and Hunter. “What’s ya’lls drink of choice?”

  “Schnopps, easy,” Swooddude69 laughed. “I could put three down and still have room for dessert.”

  Hunter grinned. “If that’s a challenge, just tell me the when and where.”

  “How about right here, right–”

  “Calvin.” Nightingun’s tone was motherly. Affectionate if a touch condescending. “I hate to interrupt your bonding, but we really must keep schedule. You know how Yuki gets when made to wait.”

  Calvin shuddered. “Fair point. Gentlemen, it’s been an honor.” He shook hands with Jeremiah and Hunter. “Ladies,” he grinned at Maria and Jazz. “It’s been a pleasure.”

  Nightingun curtsied. "Once again I request your forgive my rude behavior. Calvin and I must attend a meeting before Diego’s address. Do make yourselves at home until then.”

  The two of them splintered off toward the roundtable cabin. Reddragon slinked away without a word. Hunter flashed Jeremiah a smile and shrug before following. I watched them disappear into a crowd of other players.

  Despite misgivings, the sheer swath of volunteers was encouraging. Judging from the armor and weapons on display, most if not all classes were present. Whatever problems couldn't be solved by throwing a quantity of players at it should be overcome by the diversity. I was almost starting to have hope. Dangerous that.

  Jeremiah slapped his belly. “Much as I would love to stand around doing nothing, my hungry ass needs a burger or whatever they’re serving. Am I goin’ alone?”

  “Hell nah,” Maria grinned. “I’m always down to eat and socialize."

  “Aimeriez-vous déjeuner avec moi?” Bradley asked Jasmine.

  Her eyes practically glittered. “Tu parle Fran?ais?”

  Bradley titled his hand back and forth. “Un peu. Pas bien.”

  She excitedly clapped her hands together and smiled. “C'est magnifique.”

  “Didn’t know you spoke French, Bones.”

  “Took three years of it in high school. Bit rusty, though. Michaela, are you hun–”

  Michaela was midway through a mushroom and offered it to Orthrus.

  He politely shook his head. "Thank you, but I ate earlier."

  Michaela nodded and shoved the remainder in her mouth.

  Maria's elbow lightly nudged my side. "She’s my favorite already," she whispered.

  "Just wait until you see the flute-shroom."

  "She's a musician?" Maria gasped. "Bro, I'm about to fall in love."

  I sharply inhaled through my teeth. "Ooh, probably shouldn't. Apparently she's taken."

  She snapped her fingers in mock frustration. "Good ones always are."

  I laughed harder than expected. "You hungry, kiddo?" I asked Nana.

  She shook her head. "Wanna run around the camp first. That okay?"

  "Not by yourself–not that I don't trust you," I added after her frown. "Just don't know how many weirdos are around."

  Speaking of which, Alucard laughed. "Your concerns are valid but unnecessary. I shall keep the Daughter of Angles company. No harm shall befall her in my presence."

  That wasn't as reassuring as he thought. Orthrus pointed to himself and gave a thumbs up. Him I could trust to look after them.

  "Just don't do anything stupid," I said.

  "We won't!" Nana snatched Alucard's wrist and dashed off. Orthrus followed, and I lost them in the crowd.

  ***

  The canteen interior reminded me of school lunchrooms. Rows upon rows of long tables and a long line before making an order. Only things missing were the lunch ladies and kids playing Yugioh. In lieu of those classics, the canteen added a stage with its own empty table.

  I didn't recognize anyone at the tables, but a familiar face populated the end of the line. "Long time no see," I said to Falco.

  "Ah, McRobin. Well met, friend. Did you locate your sister?"

  "Yeah, she's expending some excess energy out back."

  He nodded. "She may encounter Jesse and Antonio. I'm preparing their plates, while they run reconnaissance."

  That explained their absence plus FairyP’s first name. Glad something precarious hadn't occurred on the beach. "You split up with Lucy and the girls?"

  "They chose to forgo lunch, though the Vampire girl was nibbling a loaf of bread."

  That tracked.

  "Are you going to introduce me to your new companions?" He asked.

  Oh, right. He hadn't met Maria or Jazz. "Wanna give it a go in French, Bradley?"

  "Uh, sure." He gestured to Maria and Jazz. Elles s'appellent Jasmine et Maria." He tilted his head toward Falco. "C'est oiseau."

  Jasmine giggled. “Votre Fran?ais is a little rusty.” She smiled at Falco. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  Falco dipped his head. “The pleasure is all mine.”

  “It’ll be my pleasure to see this line moving,” Maria muttered.

  Her pleasure didn't take long since the line moved fairly quickly. Poor Jeremiah wasn’t getting a burger. His options were roasted chicken, pumpernickel bread rolls, mashed potatoes, steamed rutabagas, garlic bread, and squash and penne casserole. Not terrible choices, though I didn’t care much for rutabagas.

  What confused me were the remaining portions. Each dish had its own aluminum tub. Despite a few dozen people already eating, and there being no limits on service, each tub was full. Either an item duplication glitch or one of Diego’s friends was secretly Jesus. Hopefully they made a better god than the Admin. The only water he'd willingly turn to wine would be our tears.

  I followed Falco's lead and prepped plates for Nana and Alucard–a little bit of everything with extra veggies so they’d grow up big and strong. Michaela insisted upon making Orthrus’s plate despite him not being hungry. I kept glancing to see if she'd add a mushroom. Fungi free so far.

  Unfortunately, the food itself was flavor free. Bland chicken without a hint of rosemary. Barely any salt either. Mashed potatoes weren't bad but needed something extra. Chives, garlic, maybe some cheddar.

  “Why does this suck?” Nana asked.

  I hadn’t heard her approach and nearly jumped. Twice today this idiot scared someone, but the lack of a shit-eating grin told me this time was an accident. The other two arrived with her. Alucard grumbled about generational vampires not needing vegetables. Orthrus silently sifted through the mushroom landmines Michaela successfully snuck into his plate.

  “Because I didn’t cook it,” I said.

  “Oh? How would you prepare it?” Jazz asked.

  “For starters, I’d–”

  “We should shut up,” Michaela said curtly.

  “And why should we do that?” Maria asked.

  Michaela pointed her rutabaga-filled spoon at the stage.

  A burly man, who looked like he bench pressed three Indubitable Snow-Mans, walked across the stage. His white tank top left nothing to the imagination, but he still felt the need to flex before sitting down. I almost hated him on principle. Alas, that million dollar smile was too sincere.

  Screenname: BigStrongMan. Race: Human. Level: 29. Class: Artificer. Affinity: Earth.

  Artificer? I’d have bet anything on Pugalist–maybe Berserker. Probably the one who built the cabins. Strong, handsome, and a hard worker? What a catch.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “His eyes are up there, Char,” I whispered.

  “Hmm? You say somethin’?” Maria asked.

  “Yeah, I was talking to my–” Oh. Right. I shook my head. “Sorry, just talking to a ghost.”

  Swooddude69 crossed the stage next. A black bandanna speckled with white stars adorned his neck with a neon-green scrunchie holding up his red hair. No flexing on his part but lots of waving and a mile wide grin.

  The next player crossed the stage without so much as a smile. Her ruffled silver dress glimmered like the moon. Slits down each side provided peeks at slender legs. Feathers lining each ruffle provided the visage of a swan. Yet her green eyes carried none of the associated grace. Sharp glares judged anyone drawn into the event's pomp and circumstance.

  “Ooh, Ice Queen,” Maria whispered.

  Screenname: Swanlake. Race: Human. Level: 29. Class: Pugalist. Affinity: Water.

  Her name explained the outfit but not the class. The whole vibe screamed Performer or bird-themed Spirit Medium. Then again, those eyes longed for a reason to throw hands.

  Nightingun's demeanor was far warmer. She glided across the stage with refined grace, curtsied, and took the penultimate seat at the table.

  Only one seat left. Clanking footsteps sounded from offstage at a steady crescendo. Bronze plates lined with gold protected AzurekNight’s entire body. The similarly colored helmet covered his face save for the faint glow of his eyes.

  Screenname: AzurekNight. Race: Human. Level: 30 Class: Paladin. Affinity: Light.

  He stopped mid-stage and pointed at the table. "I want to introduce my companions before we get started. Susannah, Calvin, Yuki and Rumiho are more than lieutenants. They are dear friends I entrust with my life. I hope that in short order you will all feel the same."

  Each lieutenant reacted to his roll call. Bigstrongman and Calvin pounded their fists into the air. Rumiho lacked their exuberance but retained the positivity. Yuki's glare remained unrelenting. One hand nonchalantly flipped her chestnut hair. The other grabbed her wine glass.

  "It wouldn't kill you to smile, Yuki," AzurekNight said.

  She responded with a smile so sickeningly sweet I feared looking at it would give me diabetes.

  Laughter rumbled from within the helmet. “That just leaves me.” The helmet disappeared, revealing a handsome but very tired face. “I’m Diego, and I’m going home to see my daughter.”

  He lifted a wine glass from the far end of the table. “We’ve been held against our will for several days now. Many are afraid to brave the game. Too many have suffered the consequences of trying. I make no effort to conceal the danger. Any of us may join their ranks before our quest is complete. But I will die before I submit to a false god.”

  Glass cracked but didn’t shatter in his grip. “My friends and I have scoured the corners of this world. Gazed into each abyss in turn. None have devoured us yet. We will conquer the Admin’s dungeons. No longer will our comrades live or die in fear. And I swear to you all.” A mythrill lance the size of Jeremiah materialized in his hand. “On my life, I will lead us to victory!”

  He paused for applause. Boy did he get it. People clapped, whistled, and stomped their feet; Nana did all three. I didn’t clap particularly hard. Wasn’t a bad speech. Hit the right points, didn’t drag. But I couldn't help but feel empty hearing it without Char beside me.

  Orthrus' reaction was surprisingly subdued. I expected mister chuckle to have a wide grin or awkward laugh rather than a thin smile. He caught me looking and chuckled on cue. “Never been one for speeches. More of a believe it when I see it guy, ya know?”

  Diego motioned for the crowd to simmer down before continuing. “Your enthusiasm warms my heart, friends. I ask you bring it to our meetings tonight. Each of you will speak with my lieutenants and I, so we may understand your skillsets and divide you into groups.

  “Tomorrow, your groups will endure hell to prepare for what lurks in Auro’s deepest shadows. You will be thoroughly tested: mind, body, and spirit. Better for you to break here than in the field. If that doesn’t appeal to you–” He thrust his lace with such force the room shook. “I suggest you leave through that door.”

  Loud silence followed his words. People watched the strangers and companions around them, waiting—daring them to leave. This must’ve been how the disciples were during the Last Supper.

  Finally, Judas emerged. A Kitsune stood up and walked out the tent. Apparently two-tailed foxes weighed just enough to break the ice. The exodus started. Thirty, maybe forty, people headed for the door. I didn’t judge a single one of them. Marcus proved not all dangers waited inside a dungeon, but not everyone shared my experience. I prayed they never did.

  Maria’s spoon incessantly tapped her mashed potatoes. Her bit lip and downcast eyes betrayed her doubts.

  “No one’s stopping you,” I said.

  She snickered. “Tryin’ to get rid of me already?”

  “Nah. Just wouldn’t feel right to force you into staying. No one’s judging you.”

  “I will,” Jeremiah grunted.

  “Okay, he will. Anyone else?”

  Michaela’s hand raised instantly. Orthrus shrugged and tilted his hand back and forth. Nana, crossed her arms and brow furrowed, deep in thought.

  “What’re you thinkin’, kiddo?”

  “I think…” She shook her head. “I think it’s scary. But Lady Charlotte didn’t run when she was scared. I can’t either. But, I can’t be mad at anyone who does.”

  I shrugged at Maria. “There’s your answer. Gonna change your mind?”

  She glanced at the exit. The remnants of the exodus were filing out. Her last moment to leave before making an awkward scene. Her eyes moved to Diego, me, and once more to the door. Mrs. Nesbit appeared in her lap, and she cradled it against her chest. “For better or for worse, looks like you’re stuck with me.”

  “Glad to have you aboard.”

  Diego scanned the room for any last deserters. He sighed and set down the glass. “Apologies for my deceit. Our intended ‘hell’ will not be so harsh as I made it sound. But those unwilling to even attempt it have no business enduring Sins of Auro. Believe me when I say hell really is out there.”

  Jeremiah nudged Bradley and whispered, “Told you there’d be a test of character, Bones.”

  Diego’s lance pointed to the poor sap sitting in my spot. “McRobin. You will be our first meeting.”

  Keeping a straight face was so hard. Nothing particularly funny about him singling me out, but I imagined him saying some of the goofier names like Scotch_Woodcock and Swooddude69. “Buy me a drink, and I’ll let you call me by my first name.”

  He cracked a smile and addressed the crowd. “These meetings are to be private. I ask that everyone clear out. Please, take your dinners with you.”

  My friends said their goodbyes and joined the second exodus. Wasn’t long before it was just me and the panel of esteemed judges. Yuki finally started smiling—the kind a snake gives an unsuspecting mouse, but it was something.

  “Glad one of you is happy to see me.”

  There went the smile. Maria was right about Yuki being an Ice Queen.

  Diego took his seat at the end of the table and gestured to her. “Yuki, would you like to take the lead?” The tiny smirk told me I was going to really like this guy.

  “Fine.” Yuki leaned forward, still slouching. Nonchalant golden eyes regarded me. “So, McRobin—”

  “Robin.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “My name. It’s Robin.”

  That put some chalance in her glare. Solid but lacking the potency of Char’s usual ones. “Good for you. So, Robin, you’re a Chef. What exactly can you do?”

  “I cook.”

  Calvin started laughing until Yuki directed her glare at him. He cleared his throat and retreated to his wine glass.

  “If you’re not going to take this seriously then there’s the door.” She pointed to the back of the tent.

  “Yuki.” Rumiho touched her arm. “You’re being too rough.”

  Yuki violently pointed at me. “He’s being an ass.”

  “The technical term is dingus,” I said.

  Yuki pointed again without saying anything.

  Rumiho smiled warmly at Yuki, then at me. “As I said earlier, Robin, there would be a time for introductions. Does introducing yourself make you nervous?”

  I shook my head. “Nah. Just can’t help but respond poorly when people are rude or indifferent.”

  Rumiho spoke before Yuki had the chance. “It has been a long few days for everyone. Our coping methods are our own but can become unhealthy quickly if left unchecked.”

  “Yes, Mom,” I said. “I’ll play nice.”

  “Very good. Would you mind telling us about your abilities?”

  I did just that. They weren’t enthused about prep time–didn’t blame them for that, but they listened intently to my recipes, passives, and plans for my next levels. Calvin was especially interested in the dishes themselves rather than their effects, leading to a tangent about tonight’s lackluster dinner.

  “You don’t want to overpower the potatoes, but a little garlic goes a long way. Throw in some cheddar, maybe some bacon, and definitely rosemary for the chicken,” I said.

  Calvin slapped his hands against the table. “I’m convinced. I want him for my squad.”

  “You can have him,” Yuki scoffed.

  Diego chuckled, but the look he gave me was measured. “One last question, if I may.”

  “Go for it.”

  “Why are you here, Robin?”

  “Well I was beta testing this game, it got hacked…” I trailed off when he didn’t crack a smile this time. No one else had. Everyone, even Yuki, seemed genuinely interested in my answer. “Because I lost someone,” I said without thinking. “Who and how are my business, but I watched them die. Now I have a little sister to look after, and I know I can’t do that on my own. She’s safest in a group where more people can watch her back and take the heat off.”

  Susannah tilted his head. “Pardon, but I don’t understand. You want to protect your sister by bringing her to the most dangerous places in the game?”

  “That about sums it up, yeah.”

  “Am I correct that your sister is likely to attempt the DDs even if she had to do so alone?” Rumiho asked.

  I chuckled. “She is really itching to use those shotguns.”

  Diego nodded. “Thank you, Robin. We’ll consider what you’ve told us and–”

  “Wait, before I go. You gotta do what’s best for the group. Get it, totally on board. I need to be on the same team as my sister.”

  Yuki cocked an eyebrow. “Why should we accommodate you?”

  Her tone lost its accusing edge, so I dropped my snippy responses. “Because we know each other's kits and are used to playing together. Familiarity helps when making plans on the fly."

  Yuki’s sneer faded into a contemplative frown. Doubt she expected me to make an actual point. “What’s her name?”

  “Shadowcloak, but you can call her Nana if she likes you.”

  "No promises, but we'll consider it when we speak to Shadowcloak," Yuki said.

  "Thank you. Am I otherwise dismissed?"

  Diego nodded. “Thank you. Please, go ahead and send in your sister.”

  “Will do.”

  Shouting, clanging metal, and things going boom greeted me outside the canteen. Probably people showing off weapons and skills to each other before the panel. Nana and the others gathered together, although Falco wasn’t amongst them.

  “How’d it go?” Orthrus asked.

  I shrugged. “Not bad. Had some fun with the Ice Queen, but we chilled out. What’s going on here?”

  Maria grinned. “Showing off, socializing. Summer camp stuff. Speaking of which…” She hooked one of her arms around mine. “Plans to start a bonfire soon. How’d you like to be the first person to dance with me?”

  I slipped my arm away. “Appreciate the offer but not much of a dancer. How about Orthrus?”

  Michaela quickly grabbed his arm. She didn’t say anything, but her eyes made threats. Orthrus chuckled and shrugged.

  Maria sighed and looked at Jeremiah. “Alright, big guy. You. Me. Let’s do this.”

  “In your dreams, shortstack.”

  “Shortstack? I resent half of that!”

  I laughed but ignored the rest of their exchange. Bonfires and socializing sounded fun, but I wasn't in the mood after talking about Charlotte. Hadn't said much or even mentioned her name, but that cold pit gnawed at my soul all the same.

  I tapped Nana's shoulder. "You're up next, kiddo."

  She tugged my sleeve before I could leave. "Hey, you okay?"

  I shrugged. "No, but I'll be fine by morning. Just need some alone time."

  She didn't look convinced but did let me go. "Let me know if you need to not be alone."

  "Look at you being mature."

  She snickered. "Well yeah. One of us has to be."

  I stuck out my tongue to prove her point. She did the same. We chuckled, high-fived, and went our separate ways.

  The next couple hours were lonely but pleasant. Maria was right about a bonfire starting. She gathered other musicians to play folk music. Michaela joined in, giving Orthrus the freedom to dance with Lucy. Nana and Alucard do-si-do-ed together, while Bradley slow danced with Jazz. My instincts determined that boy had a crush. As such, it was my duty to give him flack but encourage him.

  But not tonight. Otherwise it'd ruin the whole alone thing.

  Loneliness hurt, but I couldn't grieve otherwise. 'Sides, Char'd never forgive me if I started dancing with pretty girls so soon after she died. Wondered how she'd feel about the one approaching me.

  "Hello, Robin." Rumiho curtsied. "Am I interrupting anything?" Her smile was polished. Polite but more professional than friendly.

  "Just some standard navel gazing."

  "Is that preferable to stargazing?"

  "Depends on the night."

  "May I gaze with you?"

  I didn't want to say yes, so I didn't. But it felt rude to not scoot over.

  "Thank you." She didn’t sit but rather rested her back against a nearby tree trunk. Palpable quiet crackled between us. Rumiho’s silence felt calculated rather than respectful. She wanted to speak but waited for the right words or moment. Probably starting with a softball question about favorite constellations or if I don’t enjoy dancing.

  “Forgive me for being forward, but you mentioned losing someone. Am I correct that they were your spouse?”

  Or we just skip softball and go straight to the majors. I respected her not beating around the bush but kept my guard up. “I also mentioned it being my business.”

  “You did, which is why you’re more than free to ignore or refuse my question. I’m a psychologist back home. Curiosity and compassion demand I seek answers when someone shows signs of grief. My hypothesis is you lost someone close to you–your tone indicated they were more than a stranger. You also said ‘Now I have a little sister.’ The implication is you didn’t have one before. Possibly saddled with the younger sister of a late spouse?”

  I didn’t appreciate how quickly she pegged me. “You’re wrong about Nana being my in law.”

  “I see.”

  More silence. This time I wanted to fill it but struggled to find the right words. “I lost her yesterday. Wound's still fresh, so it doesn't feel right enjoying myself when she’s not here.”

  “Levity and joy don't equate to lack of grief, Robin.” She gestured to the tide creeping toward the beach. “Healing isn’t linear. Pain comes in waves. Sometimes shallow but just enough for you to feel it. Other times so deep you can’t take a step without feeling submerged.”

  The pit chilled me. Shaking hands pressed my knees against my chest. “What are you supposed to do when it gets too deep?”

  She offered a sad smile. “Tread water. Endure however you can until the wave subsides. But I urge you remember my warning. Unchecked coping can be unhealthy. Alone time is healthy until devolving into self-isolation. Humorous deflection is safe until you unintentionally cut the wrong person.”

  I chuckled. “If you’re trying to guilt trip me for being snippy with Yuki, it won’t work.”

  She matched my mirth. “Far from my intent, I assure you. For what it’s worth, she seemed to enjoy herself.”

  “If that’s true, she and Charlotte would either be best friends or hate each other on sight.”

  Another ellipsis of silence followed before Rumiho asked, "Do you think Charlotte would want you to be sad?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “You clearly didn’t know her if you need to ask. If her ghost haunts this server, it’s cursing me for talking to a pretty girl instead of crying in a corner somewhere.”

  “Then I shan’t risk incensing a wroth specter.” She curtsied. “It’s been my pleasure speaking with you tonight, Robin. My door is always open if you need to talk.”

  “Aren’t psychiatry and psychology different things?”

  “They are. Unless someone here is a licensed therapist, I’m the best you’ve got.”

  “If that’s the case, our sanity is doomed.” We shared a laugh. Not my heartiest but one I didn’t need to force. I’d take that on a night like this. “Oh, one last question before you go.”

  “Yes?”

  “Am I in the same group as my sister?”

  She pressed her finger to her lips. “I’m not one for spoilers. Rather, let’s give you something to look forward to,” she said and joined the crowd.

  I made a face and laid on my back. The crescent moon hung below two particularly bright stars. A celestial smiley face. It reminded me of Char’s smile, albeit slightly less pretty.

  “I miss you, love,” I said, blowing a kiss.

  The celestial smile remained silent and distant for the rest of the night.