True to his word, he set it all ablaze. True to his word he left his fists at his side and instead asked me again to be different. To be that little girl he used to know before time and experience turned me into a stranger to him. True to his word he asked but did no push. True to his word he gave my name as his though it hasn't changed yet.
Yet.
I'm thinking about it.
What do I wear? I asked this morning in between the flames of sunrise.
Nothing, he said. And he laughed without letting his eyes in on the joke and we stood and watched the light change into something new and I was completely comfortable in my own skin while he roiled and tossed in his.
We were soon joined by the Devil, who came out to watch the fire, hands in his pockets, unreadable expression masked by forced joviality.
I see the renovations have begun. You going to light her counselors on fire too? Gosh, maybe we should take before and after pictures. The new and improved Bridget, version 4.0. Find the difference. Oh, right. There isn't one.
Lochlan didn't say anything, having escaped into the roar of the flames, blocking out the cold.
I turn to Caleb. He does what he needs to do.
As do you, clearly. Logic and Impulse. You two won't make it a month.
We've only been inseparable for three decades.
She puts no weight in your presence, Doiteain. The word is drawn out to make a point.
Things take time.
THREE DECADES, Pyro.
Diabhal, go inside. Please.
I'm fine, thanks, Neamhchiontach. If he's going to try to destroy what I've built then I'll undermine what he builds. She won't change for you, Brother. She's still going to go to them and then eventually she's going to come back to me. I wired her this way for a reason. That reason wasn't you.
I can get her back.
You already HAVE me back!
You can't keep her. That's the problem. But good effort. Impressive show, as usual. For that, I'll give you full credit. He throws a twenty into Lochlan's top hat, which rests upside down on the ground near his feet, and turns and walks away.
