The room was dark. A soft blue glow from the window was the only light source.
Lian stepped into the room. She approached the bed cautiously.
“Talis,” she called out.
There was movement.
“I am here,” Talis replied, slowly sitting up.
Lian saw her and let out a deep sigh. She closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts as she moved to sit beside her old friend.
“What have you done, my friend?” Lian asked softly as she looked over at the woman beside her.
Talis once the picture of a young woman in her late twenties with smooth chocolate skin and curls as golden as the sun. Now, her skin was wrinkled and old, the chocolate color dulled and spotted over time. The golden colors turned almost white, lacking their bounce and sheen.
Talis gave a weary smile. Her breaths were labored and soft.
“I did what was necessary,” she replied.
Lian sighed.
“Did you find a solution for the boy?” she asked.
