Take me to the stars above
'Cause I can't see nothin' but darkness

It felt like a lifetime ago that Melody left her home to visit with Lucy, and yet somehow only few days had passed. The babe, while significantly smaller than any baby had the right to be, was still alive. But Lucy...a fresh wave of tears flowed at the thought. Lucy was gone. Dead. Extinguished as easily as a candle's flame. What sense was there in the world that she, the one who'd taken the risky potion and made the foolish decisions, had survived while her cousin, who made every right decision after eloping, was gone?

Melody swiped at her eyes as she made her way up the stairs. Staying in the old Flint manor without any of her family was odd, and it was made quite obvious her presence was no longer wanted. The Lukeson's would care for the baby, they'd ensure the last piece of Lucy survived. Taking the baby blanket had been an impulsive decision, but she didn't trust any of Ace's family to complete it properly. It was Melody who sat besides Lucy during their countless embroidery lessons, after all. Just as comforting Lucy during the birth had been her task, completing the half finished blanket was now her task. Finally, a purpose. Just of the worst kind.

She walked past her bedroom door without thinking, opening her husband's instead. The candles were still lit, but he wasn't within obvious sight. "Ben?" Melody called out, her voice near breaking.