Despite knowing it to be terribly unfair of her, Jo avoided Alfred's letter for nearly two days before considering a response. She knew him well enough to recognize the semi-formal tone he was using with her, hell even his signature wasn't his typical J.A.D. It wasn't the first time he'd signed as Alfred, but she knew from prior experience it was used in more serious conversations. So, either the mention of Zelda was a soft cushion of lies to which he would soon deliver the final blow, or he was uncomfortable maintaining his friendship with her. Either way, Jo wasn't jumping at the bit to see him once more. She so rarely ended friendships with such finality, and never one as important as this one. It was almost as bad as losing a romantic partner.

Almost.

She arrived at Alfred's flat with the same unsettled feeling she had left with on Valentine's Day. Only, this time she better knew what to expect. Jo was dressed well, almost as well as she was at the recent luncheon, her gloves securely in place. Somehow or another, she would not cry here today. Not as she nearly had the other day, and not as she had in December. Alfred deserved a better friend than the one Jo selfishly yearned to be.

Following his voice, Jo eyed the food and alcohol curiously. Surely, Alfred wasn't intending to get her drunk before severing their ties? What was the point in dragging it out? "Hello," Jo eventually greeted. "What's all this?"