Yeah… that was one question Zarya had no intention of answering. The last thing she’d ever do was bring down her sister’s rare excitement.

But at least, because of Zarya’s less than legal occupation, Sorche was used to her disappearing suddenly and being gone for a long period of time without communication.

However she’d never been gone this long before.

“I’ve, um… I’ve been really busy. After what happened with… the fall of the Resistance, I had to go into hiding. I honestly had no way of getting in touch with you. I swear.”

“You suck, Z! You shouldn’t scare me like that. But it’s what I’d hoped and figured. Still, you should have found some way to get word to me. It’s been over a year, sis. A year!”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, Sorch? Are you coming to eat?” It was another girl’s voice that sounded like it came from a doorway or somewhere at a distance.

“Just a sec.”

“Who was that?” Zarya asked.

“Oh, that’s my roommate. Annalise Cruel. You wouldn’t believe how sweet she’s been to me.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I know how you feel about her family, but I’m telling you she’s really decent. She’s my age and a little over a year from graduating—she started on time, lucky thing… Gods love her, she’s taken time to show me how everything here works and where to go. How to pick classes and where to get the best study guides. She even bought me a school jersey for my birthday, and lets me borrow her makeup anytime I want. She has some really nice stuff, too. It’s almost like having another sister. I hope you can meet her soon.”

“I would love to.”

“Hey, Lise?” Sorche called out so loud and unexpectedly that Zarya almost dropped the remote again. “Can you say hi to my sister?”

“Hi, Sorche’s sister. I’m glad she finally found you. She’s been worried sick, and talks about you all the time. She says you’re the best sister ever. I wouldn’t know since I only have smelly brothers. Well, two of them stink. Darling always smells nice.”

Zarya couldn’t argue with that. Even when he was sweaty, he smelled divine. And the sound of Darling’s sister’s sweet voice made her smile. The way she spoke and her accent reminded her a lot of Darling’s voice before they’d destroyed it. Though his had been a lot deeper, they were still similar. “Hi, Lise. Nice to meet you.”

“You, too. And I hate to be rude, but do you mind if I borrow Sorche? If we don’t leave for the meal hall now, they’ll close it on us, and I’m not really able to walk all the way into town yet.”

“Yeah, Lise was shot in the back by some bastards who kidnapped her brother last year. I’m sure you heard about it. And she really hates to inconvenience her bodyguards, especially in the evenings. Anyway, I have to run. You take care. Love you!”