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I turned and looked at her, studying her blond curls and big blue eyes. Something about seeing
her unleashed my memories. It all tumbled back. I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Oh God," I breathed. I opened my eyes and focused on her again. "You saved me—saved me
when you blew up the fish tank. You shouldn't have done it. You shouldn't have come back."
She shrugged. "You shouldn't have gone for the sword."
Fair point. "Thank you," I told her. "What you did … I never would have thought of that. It was
brilliant."
"I don't know about that," she mused, smiling ruefully. "Water isn't much of a weapon,
remember?"
I choked on a laugh, even though I really didn't find my old words that funny. Not anymore.
"Water's a great weapon," I said finally. "When we get back, we'll have to practice ways to use
it."
Her face lit up. Fierceness shone out from her eyes. "I'd like that. More than anything."
"I'm sorry … sorry about your mom."
Mia simply nodded. "You're lucky to still have yours. You don't know how lucky."
I turned and stared at the seat again. The next words out of my mouth startled me: "I wish she
was here."
"She is," said Mia, sounding surprised. "She was with the group that raided the house. Didn't
you see her?"
I shook my head.
We lapsed into silence. Mia stood up and left. A minute later, someone else sat down beside
me. I didn't have to see her to know who she was. I just knew.