"From everything I have seen, it is most difficult to make Claudia like a fish out of water." And finally there was a smile as Helena tried to picture such a look on Claudia's face. "At least you have it within your memory so you can recall it any time you wish. Though I will just be skeptical on it making Artie be less grumpy. I have not witnessed him being anything other than grumpy." For good reason, obviously.
"Others were affected, but not everyone. Irene had been turned into a snow leopard. She and I ended up getting out of the complex and running out of the city. Though waking up the next day being ourselves and completely naked was...not an experience I'd like to repeat. Well, perhaps part of it." She let Steve infer what he would from that. Irene wasn't a topic she spoke about, but she had an idea that he could infer they had been lovers from the statement. "I can imagine such a position would be difficult."
Brushing a hand through her hair, she drew in a breath. "We all may stumble, but after a lifetime of falling, there comes a time when it is nearly impossible to get back up. Guilt and regret are heavy on their own, but together they can crush one's soul." And Helena knew her soul couldn't take the strain that was on it. She just really wanted to let go because she wasn't strong enough to continue carrying it.