The streetlight glow barely seeped into my eyes. They were hot and heavy, swollen from the constant flood of tears. I had fought so hard to stay dry-eyed all this time. I had sworn to myself I wouldn't cry anymore, but Auntie had ruined my resolve with a single touch. Or maybe Elara was the one to blame, since she was the reason for every tear I'd shed lately.
I cleared my choking throat, trying to find my voice again.
"I'm sorry for showing such a pathetic sight, Auntie," I whispered.
I didn't even realize when my legs had given out, but Auntie never stopped holding me. She knelt down right there on the grimy floor so we were face to face. She reached out her hand very slowly—like she was trying not to scare away a stray kitten—and gently wiped the dampness from my skin.
