"I don't need you," Michele shot back. Her voice sounded like a choked howl.

"I know." Annie soothed.

"I don't." She sounded plaintive.

"I know. It's okay." Annie promised, petting her. Her hand felt cold against Michele's burning furrowed brow. She kissed her cheek, tasting the tears. Even as her own eyes brimmed with sorrow she was lifting the tears off the stronger girls cheeks with her lips.

Annie thought of a half-forgotten movie she'd watched with her mother when she was much ...