S a l e t é I V

XXXVII - Plumes - Neuf

There was something about witnessing Monet indulging in several rounds of Go Fish that was nothing short of weirdly wonderful, the times where she'd become quite intense as she'd worked out her plan to win being the best of all - and she'd won five of the eight games they'd played together as a group, showing no mercy of any kind to her younger cohorts. 

Cassia somehow felt that every move she made was playing into the older girl's hands, as if she had some kind of scheme at all times, her attention to detail aiding her to an almost sinister degree.

She was a terrifying opponent.

Cassia had played a few games before handing over her cards to Zisel, assisting her by ever so quietly whispering the values of those cards next to her ear. 

Taya was the only one who didn't play, far too preoccupied with playing nearby to give their gathering much attention, the sight of her lending Cassie a little extra warmth as they grew increasingly meticulous. 

Klavdiya would become frustrated to the point that she had to smile through the anguish whenever Monet pulled the proverbial rug out from under her, the sly grin that the girl in red gave her each time only compounding that rival like irritation further.

Cassia could have easily pictured Monet sat before a chessboard on a sunny day, a refined game of its sort fitting her image nicely. She would have been an intimidating foe with that too, or anything else for that matter. 

She could have probably made something as mundane as solitaire a daunting experience.

They'd played a few more games after Monet had finally stepped down, devoting some time to Taya by sitting with her, asking her questions, giving her a subtle checkup and helping her with a few games of her own variety. All in all, if her intention from the beginning had been to lift their spirits as a group, Cassia felt that it was safe to say that she'd succeeded.

She'd never imagined that a game of cards could tire her out so much, the workout one that reminded her of the phrase "no pain, no gain" quite efficiently.

The following hours hadn't been so strenuous thanks to their time as a group, leading Cassie to believe that they should try to make a habit of such activities. Perhaps it would have been wise to look for more things they could play with together, during their outings? Bottles would always be the top priority, of course, although their wellbeing extended beyond drinks. They had to feel good too.

She would have to start making notes of things to look out for. Materials for Zisel... Anything that the factory kids could have used... Games for multiple players... Anything that added a dash of colour to their hours at the warehouse would surely be welcome.

In regards to bottles, it wasn't too long until the time came for them to drink again. After passing around the necessary helpings, their total - which Cassia continued to keep a close eye on - sat at four. They would have a chance to top it back up soon enough, as it was once again time to set out. 

This time, she was to be Monet's partner again.

"Remember to be careful, wherever you end up going." Zisel had said, her warnings always wrought from care and worth taking to heart, Cassia's personal worries pushed back as she focused on the task ahead.

"What will you do? Will you go to the old street, the junkyard, or what?" Klavdiya asked, her question not really one Cassie could answer, the girl turning to Monet as she adjusted her backpack.

"The old street is our first stop. Whether or not we go anywhere else will be a decision that we make when the time comes."

"I guess that works. Good luck, whatever you do." Klavdiya replied, her wishes for their success allowing Cassie to leave with her head held high.