Called by the Night (2)

Keiko enters the apartment, pulling Nadia along as they pass through the door. She places down the key in the dish by the door and closes it behind them, locking it, all without letting go of her hand. She holds it tightly and refuses to let go, even once they’ve reached Nadia’s bedroom.

With Keiko guiding her, Nadia slowly sits at the end of her bed, her stagnant expression empty. “Hey,” Keiko starts. “How are you feeling? Are you still in pain? You really took a beating.” When she doesn’t get a response she takes it upon herself to examine her, gently running her hands across her face to start. While her expression is very downtrodden, there’s no visible bruises or signs to indicate she has received any injury. “Did anything hurt as I did that?”

Nadia doesn’t reply at first, but after a long silence and Keiko’s expectant expression she finally says, “No, nothing you touched hurt. I feel no pain. I think the worst of it has already healed.”