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She cried harder when they hugged her, because she’d never felt luckier or more broken.

Khalani was reunited with her family, but it wasn’t complete.

Not even close.

From their downturned eyes and tight expressions, she wasn’t the only one mourning Takeshi.

He may have been brooding, cold, and made you want to sleep with one eye open, but he somehowfitinto their dysfunctional group.

She noticed the way Takeshi’s lips quirked at Serene and Adan’s banter, the warmth in his eyes for Winnie, the way his muscles tensed when they were forced to leave Derek behind, and even the begrudging respect he held for Brock.

They were his family, too.

Her fists clenched, chin trembling. Winnie said nothing.

Instead, she sat beside her, resting her head on Khalani’s shoulder, and gently intertwined their fingers.

Together, they sat in silence.

Maybe it was only for a few seconds. It could’ve been hours before Khalani lifted her head.

“How long have I been down here, Winnie?” She cleared her throat, her voice raspy and hoarse.

“Three days. Winnie’s come to check on you every day. There’s so much she has to tell you, but she knows you’re in pain.”

Khalani’s lips quivered. “It hurts so much, Winnie.”

“She knows, sweet girl.” Winnie tightened her grip. “It’s okay to feel everything. Or nothing at all. Sometimes, emptiness takes up the most space.”

Her chest moved shallowly. Her emotions were in such a whirlwind, she didn’t know what to do with them. The anger, sadness, and determination were like waking beasts that clawed at her.

How can one body deal with such calamity?

“Winnie, when Sarah died, were you angry?” she asked, breaking the silence.

Sarah was Winnie’s only child who’d succumbed to the flu in Apollo because Winnie didn’t have enough money for proper medicine.

That story lingered within her, holding a lifespan of its own.

Winnie shifted. For a fleeting moment, Khalani worried she had overstepped, but Winnie interlocked their arms, holding her closer.

“Winnie was very angry. For the longest time, fury was all she had.”

“How did you overcome it? How do you see past it?”

“We don’t ever see past it,” Winnie stated. “Some scars aren’t meant to be covered up. Our imperfections and wounds are what make us beautiful, not this perfect façade we try to show the world. We overcome obstacles by accepting the frailty of life and how precious it is. And for those we have lost, we carry on their memory and live the life they would’ve wanted for us.”

Khalani’s chin trembled and her tears rained down like a storm. “It’s not fair, Winnie. None of this should’ve happened. I don’t know w-what to do or h-how to handle it.”

“Look at me, sweet girl.” Winnie cupped her cheeks, her own eyes pooling with tears. “You once told Winnie that she was your favorite teacher, but the truth is, you’ve taught her more about strength and believing in herself than anyone in the world.Thatis why Winnie knows you’ll make it through this. You’re her greatest inspiration.”

Winnie tenderly wiped away Khalani’s tears with her thumbs and gazed deeply into her eyes. The infinite swell of love in those spheres was so vast, an entire universe couldn’t contain it.

“I missed you so much, Winnie.” Khalani sobbed. “Whenever I’m away from you, everything falls apart.”

“Winnie did too, child.” Winnie wrapped her in a warm hug. “Like a whale misses singing in the sea.”

“What’s a whale?” She sniffled.