Amala heard Everett come into the carriage house, and she wondered if she should make herself known; perhaps it would be good for them to talk. But she decided to remain hidden and just be alone with her lingering memories of the farewell she’d shared with Henry. Everett extinguished the lamps, leaving the carriage house dark, before she heard him go. The darkness was not unfamiliar. She’d many times come out here in the middle of the night, and she knew her way around well enough. She just wanted to stay here and be alone a little longer.

When Amala finally returned to her room, she wasn’t completely surprised to find Paulina waiting there. “I’m glad to see you’re up and about. Your parents were concerned, but I assured them you likely just went for a walk and said I would wait up and make certain you were well. They’re not accustomed to keeping the late hours that I do. Are you all right, my dear?”

“Better, I think,” Amala said and kicked off her shoes before she curled up in the middle of her bed. Paulina kicked off her own shoes and sat beside her, leaning back against pillows propped up by the headboard, urging Amala’s head into her lap.

“Talk to your old auntie,” Paulina said, and Amala told her about her encounter with Henry in the carriage house.

“Serendipity,” Paulina declared, and Amala couldn’t deny that the timing had been remarkable, especially since their formal good-bye seemed to be an important step for both of them. When she expressed the thought to Paulina, her aunt agreed completely. They talked through the situation as it stood, and Paulina helped Amala to get her bearings and to decide on some simple steps for moving forward. Amala committed to spending some time with her family tomorrow, finally feeling ready to be around others without the fear of bursting into uncontrollable tears that she could never explain.

Paulina asked if Amala felt up to being present when Henry should decide to call again and spend time in her home. She believed that she could do it now that she’d faced him and shared a proper conclusion to their romantic relationship.

“If it becomes too much,” Paulina said, “you only have to excuse yourself and make a graceful exit. I’ll help make an excuse for you.”

“Thank you,” Amala said. “For everything. I’m so grateful you’re here. I just don’t want you to leave. I feel lost here, Paulina. I’ve always felt completely comfortable and safe in my home and with my family, but with Henry coming and going, it’s changed. I’m glad my family doesn’t know anything of what’s happened, but it’s still difficult to not be able to talk about or behave the same way that I feel.”

“I can well imagine,” Paulina said with compassion.

“Nothing is the same.”