... Since I'm kind of an outsider, close, but not too close, you don't have to worry about what I think. You can talk to me freely."
Her wheels came to a brief halt. "There's nothing to talk about," she said flatly. "See you later."
She wheeled off again, this time determined. Darius stayed rooted where he was, but the words slipped out of him anyway, spontaneous and sharp with instinct.
"The funeral's this evening," he called after her. "Up for it?"
Nnenna froze mid motion. "Does it matter?" she asked without turning.
"I guess not." His tone softened. "Look… you seem unable to move on. Something's clearly holding you back. I won't pretend to have all the answers to what's going on in your head. But listen to me, go there. And don't leave anything behind."
There was no lecture in his voice this time, just quiet sincerity.
