"I dreamt she was still alive," said Kier. He'd opened his eyes to see Ina's ceiling, lying next to her low table again. "I dreamt I went to visit her with my stories bound in a book, because she'd asked for it. She read them, and hugged me, and thanked me for finding out a way to save her from the Madness."
"I…" Peppermint was the only one in the room with Kier. It had barely dawned and she wanted to check on him. "Medes isn't back from hunting yet. I'm sorry for intruding."
"You're not," said Kier. "I was talking to no one in particular, and if you don't mind me crying, I'd love for you to stay."
Peppermint walked closer to Kier to lie down and rest her head on his chest. "I'm here."
The sobs awakened Ina. She curled up in her bed, resisting the urge to go check on Kier. She could tell he was forcing himself to be as quiet as possible.