S a l e t é I I

XXI - Estomac - Douze

Cassia and Zisel had gone out for a second trip, taking a slightly different route early on in the outing that ended up leading them to a different quadrant of the warehouse zone, where they had been unable to find much of any worth. To make up for a poor haul, they at least carried back a small load of scrapped wood they would be able to use in their fires, and Monet still praised them for their efforts, acknowledging their attempts in a knowing light. Uliana had reassured Cassie afterwards as well.

"There's usually not a whole lot out there, but it's still worth a look. I'm kind of surprised you found as much as you did."

"Yeah Cassie, you did good. You too, Zisel." Klavdiya agreed, both girls feeling a little better in response to such words.

Uliana had been itching to get back outside, regardless of all of their work that day already, and Monet had insisted that they conserve some strength over the course of what remained of it. 

How much time had passed since their first trip? What time was it now? Despite having no idea, Cassia viewed Monet's idea as the correct choice, judging by the lack of anything decent out in the alleys.

The next day inevitably came, bringing with it the choices that Cassie had not been looking forward to in any way.

When Monet entered the storeroom, the other girls waited outside in an atmosphere even more stifling than the ones that had tormented them over prior days, and that aura only grew harsher when she reappeared with the two bottles that they had, one of which was just over half full. There was a moment of silence as she stepped into view with them, one in each hand, the teenager looking to all of her younger friends in turn, no doubt gauging their feelings on the matter that they were now presented with.

Only Taya was lively, her gaze seeped in innocence as she observed the cherry coloured liquid. Zisel sat silently with her hands in her lap, whilst Klavdiya, Cassia and Uliana exchanged short, pained glances.

Zisel spoke first.

"I'm fine without a drink today. You all need them more." She stated firmly, and whilst it was a sentiment that carried a blatant sadness, Uliana and Klavdiya accepted her wishes without arguing. 

Perhaps they agreed, perhaps they simply knew that she wouldn't shift from her decision. Maybe it was a horrible combination of both.

Nobody wanted anyone else to go without, Cassie could see that, and yet there was nothing that they could do.

Monet asked her regardless.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Very well."

"Thanks, Zisel." Uliana said, respect breaching her otherwise less energetic tone. Klavdiya reached out, giving the blind girl a prod with her stick, such a gesture getting a small smile from her. Cassia, too, gave her shoulder a friendly squeeze, after which she made her own wishes known.

"I'll be okay without one too."

Uliana appeared particularly perturbed now, and it was a reaction that Cassie noticed. Before anyone could question her willingness, she explained herself.

"I've always had drinks, every day. One day without one won't hurt."

It was true; between her three drinks at home - three drinks a day, gosh, it felt almost dreamlike now - and Monet's continuing generosity, she had yet to go without at least a drop of Honey a day. She had always felt off about taking drinks from the girls, and even if that feeling had diminished after she'd started to work with them to earn those bottles, it hadn't faded entirely.