Bella had not realized the damage done to her feet until a paramedic had put his hand on her shoulder late in the day and asked her to sit down. Only once she looked down and saw what a bloody mess they were did the pain start to set in. Nothing was too bad, at least. She'd been patched up on the spot and sent home, but standing or walking today turned out to be a source of agony. Unfortunately, great tragedy meant everybody and their mother was sending flowers. To the hospital at best, and the funeral home at worst. When Erika had asked Bella to come in, saying no had never even crossed Bella's mind. Luckily, Erika was the best boss in the world, and had no problem with Bella staying seated on a stool. Or the fact that she wasn't wearing shoes. Unless you counted the bandages.
Bella was left alone in the shop for a while when Erika went to drive another van load over to the funeral home, but of course, she wasn't really alone. Flora was with her today. When the bombs had gone off Bella had ordered her to fly away in case there were more. Today, the northern cardinal refused to let Bella out of her sight. Bella was happy to have her. Her presence was always a comfort. She couldn't help but wish she'd kept her with her yesterday. The whole thing had just been so terrible. Easily the second worst experience of her life, second only to the loss of her mom. Luckily, no one she knew had died in the blasts. That seemed like something of a miracle.
After finishing another get well soon arrangement, Bella stretched and smoothed the skirt of her dress. The bell above the door rang, and she looked up to greet the potential customer.
And almost fell off her stool.
Oh no. Oh God, no. It's her.
'Her' who? Flora chirped, speaking to Bella's mind only as she looked towards the door.
That child. That terrible child. Right away Bella felt guilty for merely thinking it. She kept telling herself it had simply been the stress. She took a breath and forced a smile. "Hello again, Satu. How is your sister doing?" Was that woman her mother? The siblings with strange names had been so rude Bella had half-convinced herself that they must not have had parents. And if they did, they were probably terrible people. This woman looked normal enough, and she even seemed to speak kindly to the girl.