Last time I was in here. I was broken. I’m not sure why I came down here today. Seems too familiar to ignore.

Le’al stood outside the restroom. Her hand on the door. She eyed the splintered wood, knowing she didn’t want to go in. Le’al opened the door.

She stood in front of the mirror. Slowly her eyes rose, meeting themselves.

"Hi," Le’al said. This is all hard to explain. I don’t know the words for it. I feel it. It is real.

Le’al reached for paper towels. She began, methodically, covering the seat.

When they are done with her, I’m going back to her. I had all these questions. But now only one. Only one needs her answer.

She sat down, steadying the seat so the towels wouldn’t fall off. She put her elbows on her knees. Her chin on her fists. A smile spread across her mouth. Everything is going to work out.

"I just need to know," she said, practicing her question for Pearl. "How?"