Drunken State

"I'm sorry," Lucia whispered.

Rose sighed. "It's fine. I should have seen it coming. I mean, who the hell throws a party for a resigned staff member ?"

Lucia's heart ached. "You deserve better," she said softly.

Rose looked up, her eyes meeting Lucia's. "Maybe," she replied. "But right now, let's focus on getting out of here."

The elevator descended with a soft hum, the only sound in the compact space. Lucia and Rose stood side by side. As the doors slid open, they made their way to the car Lucia turned to Rose. 

"Give me the keys, Lucia," she said.

Rose turned to her, a smile playing on her lips, the kind that reached her eyes. "Don't worry, that's not going to bring me down. Besides, I've dealt with far worse than this."

"Keys," Lucia repeated, her hand outstretched.

Rose sighed, as she handed the keys over. Lucia's fingers closed around them.