#scarsdale

"Zara. Baby. Love you."

Which she does, tongue tied. "M-Mi-Ma-... yes."

"Love you, yes."

Miriam takes Zara's thin cheeks in her hands. "You have a mama. And me. Ok? I owe... so much. For now.... I understand. I love you. And you should go check on your mom."

She squeezes her eyes shut, nodding.

"Ok. So. I'll be here for a while, right?"

"Th-the Hollow?"

"Yes. I can't afford to leave right now, and..... I need to talk to some. Go home. I'll see you soon. Love you, Zara."

"I... yes, soon. Morning. Yes. Love you." how can words hurt while feeling so good to say, all at once?

Miriam looks at her closely, nods. "Ok. Tomorrow, sometime."

"If the apprentices... go see Goggles, he always has coffee early."

But then folds her into strong arms and hugs, even lips pressed against her temple.

She allows the hug, and is reluctant to pull away

The hug takes some time... but eventually Miriam puts some distance. "Go home."

"S-see you...." she starts off, pausing partways to look back.

"Soon." A promise to all the Gods and Demons. "Tomorrow." Watching.

A halting departure - but the Ghost does fade from view.

"Love you...." Miriam watches her go.....and find her own way out.

((scene?))

*Scene*

* Sleep....*

((Go sleep!))