Jorick brought the suitcase as promised. Katelina dressed, leaving the dirty clothes wet and draped over the shower rod.

Xandria stood outside, smoking. Katelina begged a cigarette. The nicotine tasted good. She closed her eyes, while Xandria chattered, and pretended she was back in the world beforebefore vampires, and blood, and explosions, back when Sarah was her best friend.

Before Jorick.

The last thought brought a sense of loss. She realized Sarah was right. ...