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Is it because of Dad?

Elise turns the thought over in her head. Instinctually, her answer had been to lash out, as she did at any mention of the topic. Anger was easier than disappointment, after all.

And she doesn't want to admit that Adelaide has some degree of credibility in her question.

It's best to keep moving, not get stuck on it. She doesn't know how long she's been sitting here, Adelaide snuggled up beside her, but it's dark outside already. Elise gently smooths over her sister's hair, tucking a few loose strands behind her ear. Even though Adelaide isn't even two years younger than herself, Elise has always been protective of her. But it seems that has kept her from seeing how much Adelaide has grown, how observant she's been, how she's been looking out for Elise as well.

"Hey, do you want to go back now?" Elise words it carefully, softly, feeling apologetic for her previous harshness.

"Mh? Sure." Adelaide stirs and rises from the seawall. Before she starts walking forward, though, she turns back to Elise and says, "If you… need anything, or just want to talk, or whatever, I'll be here."

"Thank you." Elise smiles. "I know."

The corners of Adelaide's mouth rise, but her heart isn't into the smile. "Alright. Let's go back, then." Nimbly, she starts on the path to return, glancing behind her to see Elise following.

When they arrive in front of the beach house, they hear the music. Fiercely melancholy, forcefully resigned.

Aiden. It must be him, at the piano, of course.

"Beethoven's Pathetique," Elise murmurs.

"You know it?" Adelaide whispers, surprised. Elise doesn't listen to classical music much.

"Aiden… one of his favorite pieces…" she responds simply, expression pained. "Addie… I don't— I don't think I can face him. Not now."

Adelaide's hand, which had been gripping the doorknob, drops. "Yes. Of course."

"I... I'm sorry. This is selfish, but can you go in, get him away from the piano for a minute? I'll slip in then, when he can't see me."

Adelaide nods, grim. "Okay. Elise…" she seems to want to say something, but stops herself. "It'll be okay," she concludes. But she doesn't sound very sure of herself.

Elise watches as Adelaide goes in. She's a surprisingly good actress when she needs to be, her previous seriousness masked by a cheerful attitude. It's just a little bit strained, but if you didn't know, you wouldn't be able to tell.

She hears the piano playing stop abruptly, and then the faint murmurs of dialogue, but not the exact words. And then Adelaide is leading Aiden into the kitchen, looking back toward the window where she knows Elise is looking in. With a jerk of her head, she gestures: Go.

Elise hesitates for a few moments, then slips into the house, and quickly afterward, into her room, where she collapses onto her bed.