“Of course.” Malou murmured as she continued to run her fingers through Fallon’s hair. The room grew silent as Malou leaned her head back against the wall. She couldn’t imagine what Fallon had been through, nor did she think she wanted to, but she could give Fallon the unconditional care that she had always given Malou.

There was so much in Malou’s life that was uncertain, but her friendship had never been one of those things… up until the last two weeks. It reminded Malou of how vulnerable her friend could be, of the danger that could lurk near her at any time, something she had come to terms with as Fallon had slowly completed her training. Now it was unavoidable but to face it, to face it and prepare as best she could for if Fallon ever needed her help beyond offering a soothing presence and the friendship that they had built over the years.