GO UME

But none of that really happened Nonnie. She was just imagining it.

Sirius: Where are you?

Altair: What are you talking about, I’m right here?

Sirius: Are you? You’ve seemed somewhere else a lot lately.

Altair: I’m sorry… I’m right here. I promise.

Altair: [quiet] We can’t be more than friends.

Ume: Why not?

Altair: I have a boyfriend.

Ume: Then why are you here looking at me like you’re waiting for me to kiss you?

Altair: I…

Ume: You can’t tell me you don’t want this too.

Ume: We shouldn’t have done this…

Altair: Why? I’m having a really good time.

Ume: I did too. That’s exactly the problem. Being out with you like this, it’s too much. I don’t think I can just be friends.

A Few Weeks Later…

Ume: Are you sure it’s okay for us to be out together?

Altair: We were friends before…everything.

Ume: …is your boyfriend really okay with this?

Altair: It’s just coffee. It’s not like we’re on a date. You’re overthinking things.

Sirius: You don’t have to apologize Altair, I’m here for you. Do you want to talk about it?

Altair: Can you… just hold me for a while? I don’t feel like talking right now.

[soft crying]

Sirius: Altair…

Altair: [sniffles] I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to keep you up.

Sirius: I’m sorry we had to cut your visit short.

Provence: It’s okay… I understand. We have to be here for mom.

Sirius: How are you doing?

Provence: I don’t know…? I’ve never got to meet grandma. It feels kind of weird. Like I know I’m supposed to be sad… but how do you cry over some you’ve never met? I just feel guilty.

Sirius: That’s a valid way to feel too.

Provence: I am a little sad I never got to meet her… How many more people are going to die before I get to meet them? I think… that’s what hurts the most. I never even get a chance to know them.

Sirius: …[quiet] I’m sorry Provence.

Provence: What are you sorry for?

Sirius: You shouldn’t have to feel the way you do.

Provence: At least I have you and mom. You should go check on her. She’s very emotional.

Sirius: [soft chuckle] Goodnight.

Provence: Goodnight!

Lobelia: As fun as it would be to see the look on your face when everything finally clicks together, I think I’ll let you figure it out the hard way. Just know this, my dear son, you can’t run from this all forever. Your past will be coming back to haunt you much sooner than you think.

Sirius: I’ve had enough. We’re done here.

Lobelia: [smiles] You know, if my mother had died, I would want someone I loved close by. I can’t help but wonder if you’re here, then who’s comforting Altair?

Sirius: Wait, Moonflower is–

Lobelia: I’d hurry home if I were you.