Rain pelts blur the view behind closed doors; windows washed in random glints of color and light and the car swiftly carries its passenger back to where she belongs. Its plush upholsteries hold impersonal scents, their surfaces clean of those tell-tale signs of use. It’s hardly brand new and Sia knows it for a fact, but maybe that’s how Hanne is; an ether of a person, elusive and impenetrable, only the warmth of of his hands that show otherwise.
Tei and Hanne stay behind to answer the swarming hoard of the media and inquisitive enquierers tonight, which is very much almost everyone. Her attendance was brief, calculated to the last minute, and she was whisked away quickly from view. She was glad to see Moeya again, and Tiero. He promised to call her as soon as his duties are over. The awards have turned into a massive pandemonium, its momentum stolen by G. Ane’s revelation, and Tiero will have his hands full. She worries for him, Tei and Hanne, but surely Moeya will find it immensely amusing and her reports will be nothing short of perfect.
Tomorrow, though, Sia tells herself, it can all wait until tomorrow.
What concerns her most is the safety of her own home, her quiet hideaway and the peaceful way she has led her life. All of it will change without the slightest doubt; past loose ends will reconnect themselves almost instantaneously and she will have to deal with them swiftly and mercilessly this time. No quiet passings and defeated retreats; she is stronger now, if not whole, and come hell or high water she will defend what is rightfully hers; the very barricades of her being, her emotions and the continuum of her dreams, and she will not die again for the living.
Tomorrow, Sia reminds herself again, it can all begin tomorrow.
