"Stella no!" Marmee ran to her daughter, the most insecure and scared of them all. The most fragile, the one who was terrified of any harm coming to her sisters.

Stella crumbled to the floor.

"I need-" Stella gasped.

Her mother said something to her daughter.

Stella didn't hear. Her hands over her ears, screaming for Beth. For Laurie. For Jo. For Meg. For Amy. For Hannah. For Father. For Dennis. For anyone who would help her.

Laurie ran into the room, falling to the ground with Stella.

"Stella, look at me! Elle, I'm here. I'm right here." He pressed his forehead against hers, removing her hands from her head.

Stella cried and cried, until suddenly, she stopped. Maybe her vision became clear. Maybe she heard. Maybe she realised what happened.

Stella stood up slowly. She walked over to Beth slowly. She reached her hand out and touched Beth's hand slowly.

"Beth?" She whispered.

"I'm okay. I was at the bathroom!" Beth laughed.

Stella fell into Beth's arms, clinging to her desperately.

"I'm better now."

She was better. Beth was better. And Stella was better too. Stella was so much better than before.