I held up a hand, stopping Yuko before she could retreat. "Wait… I'll get my plate." My voice was steady, but my heart was pounding. I turned and walked back toward the dining table, my mind racing.
Yuko had actually opened the door. She had actually let me in. That was progress. Fragile, but progress.
Haruna was still at the table, leaning back in her chair with one hand absently rubbing her stomach. She looked up as I approached, her face lighting up. "Jack…" she said, her voice warm, "did Sister open the door?"
I nodded, grabbing my plate. The food had gone cold, but it didn't matter. "Yeah. She asked me to bring my plate… and eat together with her."
Haruna's eyes sparkled with relief. "Jack, you're amazing," she said, shaking her head slightly. "Seriously. No one else can get through to her when she's like this. Once she digs her heels in, it's like talking to a brick wall." She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "What's your secret?"
