With a sigh, I gently took the beer from Anu's hand, the warmth of her touch lingering as she released it. "Let's talk to her tomorrow," I said, setting the can down. "It's getting late, and we all need to rest."
Anu nodded, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. "Okay," she whispered. "But... promise me you won't tell her everything?"
I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I... I don't want her to think I'm trying to replace her or something," she said, her voice filled with a sudden vulnerability. "I just want to be a part of your life. Can you tell her that?"
I nodded, stroking her hair gently. "Of course, otherwise she might kill you," I assured her. "I'll handle it. Let me get some sleep."
