Celeste carried herself only to the farthest part she could reach all by herself.
As much as she wanted to be alone and far away from all of this, she couldn't be. Because she couldn't come in and meet the larger family all by herself. It would raise some eyebrows or curious looks on their faces.
Celeste felt a pang in her heart when she guessed Mina probably would heavily condemn it as well.
Whatever issues she had with Tiel, whatever hurt, she should always save face for him.
Her stepmother's words. Despite it always sounding so harsh in her mind before, it was strangely softer now. And she missed it.
Missed the idea of not wanting to see her, to talk to her, but know she was always there regardless.
A presence she had taken for granted.
Behind her, Tiel reached her soon after. He grabbed her by her arm. She tried to shake it off, get away from him, but his grip was strong.
"Celeste, please..." he whispered.
