Dove had hastily pinned up a note at the crossing place, after she'd been to check on Shine after she hadn't turned up for breakfast and found her on her bed, staring blankly into space, with the wounds on her wrists and arms reopened, seemingly by manic scratching
Topher made his way across town to Oma territory. His lips set in a tight line as his mind ran through what he might need. He hadn't seen a note like that in a while and after he's recent conversation with Shine he wasn't going to waste any time.
Dove was grim as the doctor walked in "I dunno if she meant to."
"What happened?" Topher asked.
"He's here."
Topher arched an eyebrow. "He as in he? When? Were you with her?"
"Yes, last night and no he rocked up at Honey's then came to find her, Buck told me. I think he broke her," Dove replied, not wasting words
"Damn. Anything I should know before going in?" he asked.
"She's...gone, there's no light behind her eyes."
Topher closed his eyes briefly. "OK. Show me where she is."
Dove pointed mutely. "What do we do?"
"Talk to her," Topher said softly. He moved over to where Shine was and crouched down in front of her. His brow creased in concern. "Shine? It's Topher, can you hear me?"
Dove followed, hovering at his shoulder as Shine's eyes flicked to his.
"Hey. I'll take that as a yes. Do you feel like talking at all?"
"I'm really sick this time," Shine whispered
"What do you mean?" Topher asked softly.
"Never imagined they were here before."
Topher expression softened. "What if you're not imagining?"
"I know I am."
"How do you know?" he asked gently.
"Because...you know how. Only person I've ever spoken to about it, that he, they, never really loved me."
"And what if someone else has mentioned that they're here?"
"Have they? Really?"
He nodded. "Why don't you ask Dove?"
Shine turned her eyes to Dove, who nodded. "They're at Honey's sweetie."
"Buck told her," Topher added.
"He wouldn't lie to me," Dove nodded
Topher glanced back at her before returning his gaze to Shine, checking her reaction.
Shine's eyes flicked between them, trying to read them.
"How do you feel about that, Shine?" Topher asked.
"If it is real, what's he really doing here?" She asked softly. Her whole body began to shake.
"It's real," Topher assured her gently. "Do you remember what you talked about? I only know what Dove told me, I wasn't here."
"He said her loved me, wanted to be here with me," Shine muttered
"Sounds to me like you already know what he's doing here then."
"Should I let him in?" Shine muttered. "Will he do it again?"
"I can't answer that for you, Shine. I don't think anyone but you can," he said softly. "But we are all here for you, if you need us."