And then it was almost light.

What was it you said, Melody? Wasn't it something along the lines of, “This month's going to be different”? Wasn't that what you told me? Say it again. Say it the way you said it then. Do you remember how you'd looked? You were so cute, all fired up and bustling. So self-assured. So useless.

Tell me: Is there anything more adorable than the kitten who mistakes herself for a tiger?

What's that? You weren't acting? Don't tell me that was … genuine? Did you mistake common cheer for control? Because if you did … well, gee, I don't know what to tell you.

Honestly. You must have some idea of how fragile you are. You think that rain was on me? No way. The rain was the rain. Do you have any idea how pathetic you'd have to be to be so helplessly ruined by … of all things, by weather?

Hey, look—I think you're beginning to know your place again. But in case you were planning on thinking otherwise, let me spell it out for you.

This is forever. This is all you'll ever know.

And you'd better well get used to it, if you know what—

Melody threw off the covers and began to pack her things.