Gabe let her hand slide out of his, even though part of him wished she wouldn't. He knew why, of course. It was just that it was sad. She felt she had to rely on her so much that having support made her weaker. That wasn't how things were meant to be. It was the very opposite to how things were meant to be.

But that's why they were there. This is what they were here to change. So Valkyrie could know it was fine to be strong, and fine to rely on others--even when she didn't need to. Just because she didn't need to doesn't meant it was something she couldn't have.

"Who's that? I don't know that voice." Melissa's voice sounded down the corridor but she followed it a moment later, wiping her saucy hands on a dishcloth. She looked at Stephanie blankly. "Oh, it's you. Who are you again?"

And then she grinned and held out her arms. "I think a hug might help me remember."