09-13-2026, 06:08 PM
Nora's arm was a comfort and the offer of a hug was a good one. Penny came closer and let Nora hug her. Her breath hitched a couple of times and even though tears fell, she didn't sob. In that moment, she at least didn't feel so alone. Penny let herself be held, not moving, feeling small and insignificant then. Nothing really mattered at that point. But everything was hitting her all at once. It was incredibly overwhelming. And when she needed help, she had always gone to her mom. And now she couldn't.
After a few moments, Penny simply said "I miss her." Nothing more needed to be said.
While they embraced, Penny thought through some things. She was a minor, which meant she was likely going to go into the system after this unless they could find her dad. Maybe he was on her birth certificate or maybe he'd take her, but if they couldn't she'd end up in an orphanage or foster home unless she got adopted. Probably not as likely with her being a teenager. Teens didn't get adopted as quickly.
Penny let go when she was ready, wiped her eyes and looked up at Nora. "Thanks Nora. That meant a lot. More than you know."
Penny sighed and took a moment to catch her breath. It had felt good to let it out like that. It still hurt deeply and there was still a weight in her chest that didn't seem to go away even if it lessened. But she had processed some things and it wasn't constantly growing. Her stomach growled again and that brought out a brief laugh. It wasn't really funny, but the laugh felt good. "I guess I should get something to eat. Let's keep going."
Penny let Nora lead to the kitchen. She knew there was work to be done and was willing to help. "What can I do to help? And maybe...tell me a bit about the veil. I want to learn to use it - if for no other reason than I won't accidently hurt someone...or get sick." She had heard that people like her got sick. She didn't mention that scared her even if it did. She probably didn't have to say it.
After a few moments, Penny simply said "I miss her." Nothing more needed to be said.
While they embraced, Penny thought through some things. She was a minor, which meant she was likely going to go into the system after this unless they could find her dad. Maybe he was on her birth certificate or maybe he'd take her, but if they couldn't she'd end up in an orphanage or foster home unless she got adopted. Probably not as likely with her being a teenager. Teens didn't get adopted as quickly.
Penny let go when she was ready, wiped her eyes and looked up at Nora. "Thanks Nora. That meant a lot. More than you know."
Penny sighed and took a moment to catch her breath. It had felt good to let it out like that. It still hurt deeply and there was still a weight in her chest that didn't seem to go away even if it lessened. But she had processed some things and it wasn't constantly growing. Her stomach growled again and that brought out a brief laugh. It wasn't really funny, but the laugh felt good. "I guess I should get something to eat. Let's keep going."
Penny let Nora lead to the kitchen. She knew there was work to be done and was willing to help. "What can I do to help? And maybe...tell me a bit about the veil. I want to learn to use it - if for no other reason than I won't accidently hurt someone...or get sick." She had heard that people like her got sick. She didn't mention that scared her even if it did. She probably didn't have to say it.