"Secrets blue with hush of excitement. Shadows cast in whim. I walk in spotlights, chasing whim away in the confides of secret."

Ana said, "What."

"Pearl's diary," Le'al said. "She wrote that in her diary."

Ana said, "Her diary?"

"Yeah," Le'al said. "I took it."

She looked at Ana. Ana looked back unimpressed.

"I stole it. She . . . I need her to get better. I need her, her help."

Ana asked, "what do you think Pearl can do for you? And, why can't you do what ever it is you think she can do. She's an old, dying woman. What if she does die? What if she's dead right now? What will happen to Le'al?"

Le'al said, "I visit her, I . . ."

"Good," Ana said. "Because the truth is she is going to die. Soon. I believe she'll want you with her."