Three nights later, Hannah was the last at the tailor's when they had a visitor. All she saw at first was the haunches of a tall white horse. Then the rider dismounted, and even though it was dark outside, she recognized him immediately.

"I'm sorry, Sir," Christopher spoke as he entered. "But we are closed."

"Poor me, and I came all this way for a dress," Macks teased. He stood in the center of the floor, gazing her way. "Hello, Hannah."

Hannah fidgeted, for some reason feeling awkward.

"Ah. Another brother of yours?" Christopher wondered, and Macks immediately pulled down his brows.

"No! This is Rio's captain. Captain Macks Droy."

"Oh," Christopher went. "In that case, I'm honored." He leaned over, holding out a hand, and Macks shook heartily.

"Thank you. I was hoping to speak to Hannah ... if she's already been released?"

"Oh, yes. She's all yours."

Hannah tried to ignore the perk in Macks' brows at those words. "Are you sure?" she asked Christopher.

"Yes, go ahead. We're all done here."

Macks came up to the counter, becoming solemn as he caught her eye. "It's time, Hannah."

"Time for what?"

"Alyssa and Stefan are on their way to the bridge. Everyone's gathering there for the farewell."

She was surprised. "Now?"

He nodded. "So. Shall we?"

"Um, yes, alright," she agreed, nodding to Christopher for the night. She went towards the door, where Macks pulled down her shawl from its hook. She stared at him, and was surprised when he draped it over her shoulders, his fingers bringing the edges down along her arms.

"It's cold out there," he explained, as she noticed Christopher eyeing them.

"Let's get going." She strode out ahead of him, pausing beside his stern white mare – two girls staring each other down.

"It'll be faster if we ride," Macks told her, reaching for her arm.

"No, I can't," she refused.

"We don't want to be late."

"I know Alyssa. She'll wait for me."

Macks hung by his horse, clutching the reins in a fist. "Alright," he relented. "Whatever you wish."

She started walking, and he followed, gently pulling the mare behind him. "Poor Hannah's afraid of you, Nellie," she heard Macks murmuring to the white beast, and she glanced over her shoulder.

"I'm not afraid."

"It's alright, Hannah. I understand."

"I don't think you do."

"You never had any chance to ride in Chell, am I right?"

"None of us had horses."

"That's right. So, of course you might find it a little daunting."

"What about Rio?"

"Well, Rio's had a lot of practice. It wasn't easy for him at first. Although he is naturally more adventurous than you are."

She squinted at him, a little insulted. But maybe she could twist this to her advantage. "You're right. I'm not adventurous. In fact, I'm terribly boring."

"No, you're not. I always enjoy our conversations."

"We don't really talk about much."

"Well, you usually try to pick a fight with me."

"Don't be silly."

"It's true. I almost think you enjoy it."

She kept quiet, looking skyward.

"Do you?"

"If I did, it would only be because you made it so enjoyable."

"So you find my company enjoyable?"

"I didn't say that."

Macks lowered his head, and she realized that, for some reason, he was looking at her feet. "What?"

"Are those your ugly shoes?"

"Yes."

"They really are ugly."

"Told you."

"Do you know I meant to get you new ones? I was already in the shop, but then I realized I have no idea how big your feet are."

She gave him a dirty stare, and he seemed to realize himself.

"They don't look that big. I mean, no, that's not what I meant. They don't look big at all ... " He did a small laugh. "Well, I wouldn't know what you like anyway."

"You're right."

"Unless you were there with me ... ?"

"It's alright, Macks. I can buy my own shoes."

"I still feel bad about it. They're probably washed up on some island by now, where some poor stranded sailors won't be able to wear them."

She couldn't help giggling, despite herself.

"See? That's better. You look pretty when you laugh."

"Must you always ruin everything with compliments?"

"You have a strange way of saying thank you," he answered, his brow cocked.

They faced forward, coming to the city bridge. Hannah spotted a familiar carriage waiting in the middle, set with bags and chests. Stefan and Alyssa stood by the rail, speaking to some friends from the dinner, though they broke away at the sight of the two.

"We were wondering where you were," Stefan greeted.

"I thought you might come together," Alyssa said smilingly, but Hannah ignored the comment. She took her friend's arm, leading her slightly away.

"You break my heart, dear Alyssa," Hannah sighed to her friend.

"I am sorry, Hannah. But do try to be a little excited for me. Who wouldn't want to go and live in Dyon?"

"I'm sure it'll be wonderful."

"I still hope you will come to visit us sometime."

Hannah was sure that would never happen, but she didn't want to upset her friend, so she merely kept quiet and nodded. She glanced to Stefan and Macks, and saw that Macks didn't look any happier. The two men did a quick, embarrassed hug, then Stefan headed to the carriage. "Alyssa," he called.

"Time to go." She held Hannah in her arms for awhile, then was suddenly gone, climbing up beside her husband.

Hannah felt cold and desolate, watching as the carriage picked up, Alyssa's smiling face pressed near the window. The small crowd waved and cried, but she kept quiet, hanging back beside Macks. She knew it wasn't fair to think it, but it still felt like she had been abandoned. Just like her mother and father had done.

She crossed her arms over her chest, looking down, and felt someone grip her shoulder. "Are you alright?" she heard Macks' voice.

She nodded.

"Would you like to go somewhere?"

Did she? "It's too cold out. I just want to head back."

"I'll come with you."

She flicked an eye over him. "Shouldn't you be going back to the station?"

"Not yet. You don't mind if I walk with you, do you?"

"I don't mind," she said quietly. The truth of it was, she realized she actually did want his company. She was feeling depressed enough as it was without having to walk back on her own.

They ambled away, starting in the direction of Magda's. Behind them, Macks' horse clopped a steady, sleepy rhythm. "We're alone now," she realized out loud.

"So it seems."

"Are you really going to be First Captain?"

He nodded wordlessly.

"Congratulations then."

"You know I don't care for it."

"But it's a good thing. And I'm sure you deserve it."

"At least my family will be happy. They like that sort of thing."

Hannah glanced at him. "You're not very close to them, are you?"

"No, I am not."

"What was your childhood like?"

He looked a little surprised by the question, but answered. "I spent most of my days out of the house. With friends."

"Sounds a lot like Rio."

"I miss those times," he said wistfully. "I had a lot of dreams back then. Stupid dreams, but still. I wanted to be a knight, you know, slay dragons, save maidens."

She smiled. "How old-fashioned."

"What about you, Hannah? What are your dreams?"

She wasn't all that sure how to answer. "Well, family's always been important to me."

"Yes, I thought so. I admire that. Like I admire how close you and Rio are. Or maybe I should say I envy it."

"Really?"

"My sister and I are nothing like that, even though we're closer in age."

They walked quietly for some while, immersed in their own thoughts, until they came upon Magda's gardens. Macks stopped, tying his horse's reins to the fence. He gripped the post, staring out over the patch of gray-brown earth. "I don't want to be alone," he said suddenly, in a fast mumble.

"You can come in if you want."

"No ... that's not what I meant."

"Oh." Hannah understood then why Macks was so upset at losing his friend. It wasn't just that he had known Stefan for so long, it was because now, he had no one left. He wasn't close to his family, Suzanne lived elsewhere, so who did that leave? She imagined it would be like her losing Rio. "Macks, you're not alone."

He stared at her, not looking comforted. Hannah moved along the fence, and even though she probably shouldn't have, patted his arm. "I'm sure you'll feel better tomorrow."

"Would you let me come see you?"

"If you like."

"Alright. I'll come and see you tomorrow."

"Good, good. I'm going to go inside now."

"Alright then." But instead of letting her go, he swung an arm around her back, hugging her to him.

Hannah was too caught off guard to protest, and considering the night they'd had, she decided to allow it – this time. She swallowed, standing very still and stiff in his hold, her chin tipped up to his shoulder. There was that fear in her head that he would try to do something improper, but a minute later, he drew back, smiling graciously. It was as if that one simple hug had cheered him more than anything she could have said.

"You have a good night, Hannah."

"Oh, well, mmm," she mumbled, and realized she sounded like an idiot. It was just a hug, nothing to be flustered about, she chided herself. She turned on her heel, heading for the tower. Near the steps, she paused, looking back at him. He hadn't so much as moved an inch. "Goodnight, Macks. Try to ... get some rest."

He nodded, not answering, and she slipped into the tower. Even before she reached her room and her window, she knew he would still be there, by the fence, deep in thought.

It was a good thing that they were able to find some solace in each other through this. She'd never thought Macks Droy would ever have to rely on her for that kind of comfort, but it seemed he did. And she actually liked the feeling it gave her, that she was being useful, that she was important to someone other than her brother.

Tom Avery was right. This was what she did – she took care of people, and enjoyed it too. It was the role she'd had to take on when her mother had left Chell, and it stuck to her now like a second skin.

The next morning, as she entered the tailor's, Christopher greeted her with a cheeky smile. "So, Hannah. It seems you do have some secrets to you after all."

"What?"

"Your friend, the Captain, seems a fine young man."

She blinked, stealing a worried look at the other girls, especially Ginia. But none of them seemed to be paying any attention. "Yes, well. Rio admires him very much."

"And he admires you?"

"We're friends," she returned, but then ended up frowning at her own words. Wasn't that what Wendy used to say to everyone about her and Macks? That they were just friends? Up till now, she wasn't sure what the truth was.

"I hope he treats you well. You will tell me if he gives you any sort of trouble?"

"There won't be any," she answered, embarrassed. She moved past Christopher, trying not to think about when Macks would come. Hopefully, it would be in the evening, after all the women had gone home. Otherwise there would be a lot of explaining to do.

"Alright, who wants to do the first delivery today?" Christopher piped up, getting everyone's attention.

Hannah sank low on her stool, hoping he would not pick her. Normally, she liked doing deliveries but today ...

Christopher sent a glance at her, as if expecting her to volunteer. When she kept quiet, he shrugged, picking an eager-looking Ginia. Of course, that was the nice thing about deliveries. One could waste time with a nice stroll around the neighborhood, and just blame a bad crowd.

But Hannah didn't really care. It was just as well her old friend stayed far away from the shop, in case Macks were to come by. It would be too awkward if Ginia and Macks were to run into each other after all this time.

Hannah picked up some mending work, keeping herself busy as the afternoon passed and gave way to a dry, chilly evening. Everyone else began bundling up, taking off across Dalen's streets, but Hannah stayed stubbornly behind. After all, Macks had come in quite late yesterday. So he'd probably do the same today.

But even after all the shelves had been tidied, and the floor cleared and swept, he still hadn't shown up.

"Why are you still here, Hannah?" Judy asked, coming down the stairs to fetch something. "Go home. It's late."

She blinked, feeling foolish. She couldn't believe she had just wasted her time waiting around because of Macks Droy. "You're right. I shouldn't be here."

Judy waved, bidding her a safe walk. Hannah got her things together, stepping out into the cold and quiet. Not the best night to be out, and she trotted to Magda's feeling almost as down as last night, after seeing Alyssa leave.

Of course that was it, she told herself. She was still upset over Alyssa, that was all. She'd be out of this gloominess soon enough. She sighed deeply, feeling relieved once she saw the curved shape of Magda's Tower.

Sitting in her room that night, she suddenly found herself thinking of her old friend Shelby, remembering what she had last said to her. What we do with our lives ...

She brushed out her hair slowly, peeping out the window. But there was nothing out there. No one, no matter how long she looked.

The next morning, she woke to the sound of rain. It was nothing stormy, just a steady drizzle, but she had a feeling it was going to last all day. It was just the thing to bring her mood down even more. How was she going to get to the tailor's in that?

She cleaned herself up, bringing along some extra clothes as she made her way out. She ran most of the way to work, but of course, still became soaked. She and the other women spent a good deal of time wringing out their hair and changing into something drier. In fact, they had plenty of extra clothes in the store – rejected or flawed pieces – but Hannah felt more comfortable in something of her own.

She watched as the others jostled and argued like they were picking a wedding dress. She caught a glimpse of herself in a mirror on the counter – her hair looking like the damp fur of a brown dog – and sighed. So what? It wasn't as if Macks was going to come and see her. Certainly not in this weather.

One good thing about the rain was that it kept customers away. In fact, Hannah had never seen the store so quiet. Christopher divided the mending work between them, and the women sat on the floor, chatting as they sewed. Even Judy sat and joined them for a while.

She realized they were talking about men – lovers and husbands – through which Ginia kept silent. It made Hannah wonder if her old friend would ever fall in love with anyone again, especially now that she had changed and become so cold. She was glad that she had never experienced the pain of losing a lover, but then again, to have never had any lovers was not something she was proud of.

At around dusk, the rainy haze finally cleared up, leaving behind a cold, thin mist on the streets.

For once, Hannah decided she would leave work early. She was too restless from having had little to do all day. She packed her things and left, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone.

Outside, there were puddles everywhere, and windows gleamed slickly, showing bubbled reflections of herself. She walked slowly, carefully, carrying her bag of wet clothes under her arm. She was almost at the turn to Magda's when she saw two figures coming through the mist – one tall and one short, but both light-haired and donning black guard uniforms.

"Macks?" she murmured, even though she wasn't sure.

They came forward, and she finally saw their faces. Indeed, it was the Captain and her brother, walking together.

"We were just coming to find you." Macks said, nodding briskly at her.

"What's going on?"

"You need to come with us," he said, taking her arm and turning her around.

"Wait a minute," she protested. "What's this about?"

"I've found her, Hannah."

She started to ask what he meant, when it suddenly struck her. 'She came to work for a family. A family by the name of Williams.' "You mean ... ?"

He did a silent, important nod.

"Wait, how do you even know?"

"Because I spoke to her."

Hannah stood back, eyes wide. "You saw her?"

"She is ill. She has been ill for some months now, so she keeps to her bed. But she can speak. I mentioned both your names, and she straight burst into tears. Gave me a scare, she did."

Hannah stood rooted, staring at the ground. Her Ma ... alive? Was it possible? All this time, she had seen her mother as nothing but a dream, a memory. She had called herself an orphan, and put Chell behind her. The very thought that she might be alive after all – it was like having to turn around everything she'd grown used to.

"What's wrong?" Macks was asking her. Behind him, Rio stood with his head down and mouth shut, like a sullen shadow.

"Nothing. I just didn't expect ... "

Macks nodded slowly, seeming to understand. "It's a bit of a shock, I know. But you must come. She's waiting for you. I promised to bring you both."

"Alright then," she said, starting to walk. "Hurry."

Macks went ahead, leading the way while brother and sister trailed mutely behind. They passed the tailor's, empty and mostly dark by then, curving into the nobles' neighborhood. They went up a hilled road, walking for some time before coming to a white-and-turquoise house that Hannah had seen a dozen times before. She couldn't believe that all this time, her mother had been in this very house.

She watched, her heart pounding, as Macks went to knock, and a voice politely admitted him. He nodded back at them as he crossed the threshold, and Hannah and Rio entered tentatively.

Inside, the house was stark white, decorated like a small, exotic palace – fur-draped chairs, antique pottery, and heavy, yellowed paintings. There was a girl's singing coming from somewhere above, at the top of some dizzying stairs, soft and keen. Her brother lifted his head at the sound, but then turned away a moment later, remembering what they were there for.

"Please follow me, Captain," the elderly servant said politely, and the three followed in a straight line. They were brought past a kitchen full of servants at work, down a short flight of steps to what could only be the servants' quarters. Gone now were the colorful works and pieces, the initial glamor of the house. This was a cramped, yellow tunnel that lacked sun and smelled poor . Hannah immediately felt ashamed – for Macks' sake – and disgusted by the thought that anyone could live here. It made her Chell home, and even Magda's tiny little room, seem luxurious.

"This way," Macks said, taking the lead and leaving the servant behind. Hannah went first, while Rio was slower coming after them.

Halfway down the hall, an older woman emerged from one of the doors, almost bumping into Macks. "Oh," she went, patting her dried brown hair. "Captain, it's you. Come to see our Donna again?"

"I've brought her children."

The woman looked over, studying first Hannah then her brother. "Yes, I see it – in both of them."