It surprised her how much she missed teaching in the summer. The first weeks after the term, she was usually glad for the silence in the castle, but so much had changed since last summer. She did her best to ignore the list of ways she felt different as she moved around the park. She could still hear the bustle of the work crews as they dismantled the evening's exhibits. She wandered the area along the shore in the darkness, her eyes trained on the stars. She knew them well and took comfort in the stars that never failed her.
She contemplated turning back when she encountered a girl in the grass. In the darkness of the viewing area, Themis wasn't certain if the face was familiar or not. She didn't seem familiar, but the girl at least had sat through her lecture tonight. "I am not throwing you out. The park is not mine to control. I am sure you have someone who is wondering where you are so late." Themis didn't scold, especially not for star gazing, but she was a mother.
She contemplated turning back when she encountered a girl in the grass. In the darkness of the viewing area, Themis wasn't certain if the face was familiar or not. She didn't seem familiar, but the girl at least had sat through her lecture tonight. "I am not throwing you out. The park is not mine to control. I am sure you have someone who is wondering where you are so late." Themis didn't scold, especially not for star gazing, but she was a mother.
![[Image: Bka0H0x.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/Bka0H0x.jpeg)