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[armd]

crystal/action/book/misc

 

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[tender]

[ So many things. The operation, and why it had prompted the action it did. Who were the people she'd lost. What were they like.

Whether it was worth it. If it had brought her peace. Derrica doesn't think it had, but—

There is a moment of quiet. A weighing of things, trying to consider what she is about to say. ]

Everyone, [ must sound like an exaggeration. It is not. ] But it was different than what happened between you and Ellie.

[ If she hesitates after, it's only because the truth of the thing looms so large. It had been so impersonal, and so devastating. It feels unfair to set it against what Abby has experienced. ]

[armd]

(It doesn't sound like an exaggeration. Abby lost everyone too. She says,) I'm sorry. (And now they've both said that to each other, and both mentioned real, tangible loss in their lives. It makes Abby feel a tiny bit better about the whole thing. She plucks at a bit of fuzz on her sleeve, and adds,) That's–

(Not... Not good, but,) I'm glad that's not a regular thing.

(Bad joke. Abby's feeling a little vulnerable right now, that's all. )

[tender]

[ A very soft breath of laughter. Yes, well. ]

I have people here now. It helps.

[ It doesn't supplant, but what can? ]

Are you okay?

[ griefwise. ]

[armd]

(Griefwise?) No. (That's the first time she's ever acknowledged that out loud.

Quietly,) But I think that I will be. Having people helps.

[tender]

It does.

[ words of experience. ]

It will get easier, in time. I know how impossible it feels, but it's true.

[armd]

I'll take your word for it, 'cuz it's... kinda coming up on a year since it happened.

(Feels like it's looming, really.)

[tender]

I can't tell you how long it will take. I wish I could.

[ is a year enough? yes, and no. ]

But one day, it happens. You won't realize it, or know how it happened. It just...eases.

[armd]

Yeah.

(Derrica's right, she realises. Even this time in Thedas is some of the first she's spent not worrying the death of her dad over and over and over again in her mind. She hasn't been dreaming about the night she found his body. She's been talking about him. Things have been easing.

But it has taken time.

She breathes in, and out. Mumbles,) Thank you.

[tender]

Thank you for trusting me.

[ With all of it. Her truth. This admission. ]

[armd]

It's nothing. (She already had most of the story anyways.)

We good?

[tender]

Yes. Of course.

[armd]

Okay.

(A beat of thoughtful silence.)

... I'll see you around.

[tender]

Good-bye, Abby.