1

You're suddenly aware that, although the invitation was open to anybody, you don't know how Marlowe might have felt about you coming to Eliot's memorial. Maybe they wouldn't have minded, but you realize there could be a chance they would rather this moment be more private. Either way, you hope Marlowe knows you didn't mean any disrespect.

Almost at once, Marlowe shakes their head.

"No, no, you're not. Honestly, it's supposed to be for everyone. If you wanted to pay your respects, or anything like that, you should be able to. Seriously; you don't need to worry about that."

Marlowe exhales slowly, and turn to look around the room. They don't say anything for a few moments, but you think you can recognize a lot of conflicting emotions on their face.

"Actually—I wasn't sure if I was going to come or not until about an hour ago."

They don't quite look you in the eye as they speak. When they do meet your gaze again, it's a little more apprehensively; as if there's something they aren't quite sure if they want to tell you.

After a few moments, though, they shake their head and say:

"To be honest, I don't want to get into all of that right now. How's everything with you?"