Franzi woke up and walked herself over to the window. She was wrapped in a blanket and she just sat down staring out into the world. Franzi watched a man leaving a tip on a table, a student carrying his books, and looked at the staircase where she used to think. It felt as though it had been years since she’d done any of this.

Paula woke up and found herself alone in bed. She looked in the room and didn’t see Franzi. Paula got out of bed and put on her dressing gown. She went right to the front room and saw Franzi sitting on the couch by the window. It was lovely how the morning sunlight made Franzi sparkle. Paula stood away for 1 minute in silence and then she gently said, ‘I love you.’

Franzi heard Paula’s voice and looked over to see Paula. Then she looked back at the world. ‘I love you.’ Franzi got up from the couch in her blanket, walked over to Paula, and just stood body-to-body as Paula hugged Franzi and said for the third time, ‘I love you, Franzi.’

Paula fixed them a nice breakfast of eggs, chipotle peppers, and croissants. She didn’t bother with pleasantries or tradition so she and Franzi ate on the floor.

Paula asked, ‘Is this because of what I said yesterday; about The Fasan and going back to work?’

Franzi answered, ‘No. Not entirely.’ Then she said, ‘I just…I think I just need some time to..to figure out what’s next.’

Paula understood and said, ‘Right.’

Franzi’s studies for the next week were good. Maike brought Franzi’s assignments to the flatshare and told Franzi that there was no rush and no pressure. Paula’s work progressed and she was very fine with Franzi living and learning at home. Most of Franzi’s work at home was just getting ready for Pride and turning in her school assignments. It did Franzi good being at home without people hassling her over anything. But Franzi felt that the sooner she got out of her palace, and back into the real world, the sooner she could get on with her life.

As they got ready for the Pride festival, Paula saw some vendors spitting out fire like they were at a Chinese dragon parade.