This is fine. It's fine. We're fine.

[sharpasanarrow]

[Well that was.

Something.

Underneath everyone’s door they’ll find a slip of paper, in shaky calligraphy, that reads:

INVITATION

Meet in the Dining Room.

Do not bring alcohol of any sort.

Upon arrival into the Dining Room it’s clear that this is very much...not a party.

The center of the room is cleared of all tables, and instead has all the chairs arranged in a circle, facing inwards. On the tables pushed to the side are jugs of water, cups, plates of saltines, and several hastily-made pamplets that read on the front ”How to cope with Child homicide” that contains an advisory list:

1. Try not to think about it.
2. Do not get hysterical.
3. Crying is permitted, but keep it within a reasonable volume. (For the consideration of fellow mourners)
4. Maintain civility
5. Do not plunder the belongings of the deceased.
6. No drinking or gambling your sorrows away. Set an example.

Standing in front of one of the chairs already is Mr.Arrow. He clears his throat as people start to slowly come in.]

I gathered you all here because I believed it would be conductive to group morale if we all worked through our feelings regarding recent events. Talk about your feelings with one another, but not with me.

[He steps back a little, out of the circle of chairs, in what seems to be an invitation for people to sit down and discuss with one another.]

Comments

[hasit]

Likewise, Kim. You and...[She'd been about to mention Jane, but stops herself.] The other kids. You all keep me on track. Remind me that there's a good reason not to give up and let this happen anymore.

[pinkflip]

[ That's probably a good idea, to not mention her.

She pulls away and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. While it's a nervous habit, this time it's...a bit more shy than uncomfortable. ]

I'll...keep trying to do that, then. [ A kind of forced smile, and she hurries to go wash her face. Compose herself. ]

[hasit]

No need to try, kiddo. You just keep being yourself.

[Kim reminds Leia of Rey in some ways, she muses as she waits for Kim to freshen up. Smart, feisty, yes, but sweet. Strong, but still so young. Too young to have seen some of the things she's seen.]

[pinkflip]

[ She'll take a few minutes to wash her face. She's going to look a mess whatever she does, but at least enough so it doesn't look like she's been completely crying her eyes out.

If she can talk to her mom... If she can ask Zordon for help, or... Or see Tommy. Even if he doesn't want to talk to her, it would be just what she needs right now.

When she's done: ] O-okay. Okay, uh... Is everyone out there?

[ It's been awhile... ]

[hasit]

[Glancing up, Leia makes herself smile. Even if she doesn't feel like it. She can muster up a smile for Kim as she rises from her seat on the edge of the bed.]

As far as I can tell, a few stragglers aside.

[pinkflip]

Oh, wow... I didn't think they'd all show up.

[ Gentle guilt in the pit of her stomach, to add to the other guilt.

Don't think about it. ] So! What's this...thing you guys are using?

[hasit]

I think most of us just wanted to be around people who felt the same way as us. [She gives Kim's shoulder a squeeze.] Nothing wrong with wanting to be alone, though.

It's a mirror. An enchanted mirror, from The Beast's world. It allows the user to see anyone they want to, no matter where they might be. He...was able to speak to the girl he loves using it.

[pinkflip]

[ Ha... That's the problem, she didn't want to be alone. Not really. She just wanted to push people away more.

Let's go. ]

A-and it still works...? I thought so many things here were...oh, gosh. That sounds...way too good to be true.

[hasit]

I know. It know, it does. [She lets out an incredulous half-laugh.] I haven't...used it, myself, but I've seen it work.

[pinkflip]

...It's about time something good happened.

[ That's what she's going to keep telling herself. ]

[hasit]

I'll say.

[And this is a good thing...right? What bad could come of it, really.]

[pinkflip]

[ Nothing at all, surely!

...Hopefully. ]