"I am sorry I didn't answer your knocks," Neera said. When Penelope caught her eyes, Neera looked worn and thin, and her skin had taken a sickly pale color. "I just couldn't bring myself to speak to anyone."
"Neera," Penelope held her arm, and she was shocked at the loss of weight. She moved with her to sit at the edge of the bed, and she stroked the back of her hand as if it were a cat's fur. "I am really worried about you. What happened?"
"Everything, Pen," Neera said. "Everything."
"Okay," Penelope patted her back. "I will personally go down to the kitchen and get you some soup, and I will spoon-feed you every drop myself…"
"Pen, I can't…"
