The lights flashed on.

Nepeta hissed and threw the covers over her head, shielding her eyes. As she gain consciousness, she was aware of the heavy footfalls near her bed, and the feeling of a hand gently shaking her awake.

"Nepeta!" she heard Equius say, worry in his tone of voice. "You've got to get up. It's late. If you stay in bed too long you won't be able to sleep tonight."

She merely buried deeper under the blankets. As she was waking up, she began to remember, and the heartache once again became overwhelming. It felt like iron claws were gripping at her heart.

There was a pause as Equius noticed her tear-stained pillow. Slowly, he sat down on the mattress next to her, and carefully pulled down the sheets until the top of her head was exposed. He stroked her hair, wondering what was wrong. He had heard her storm in late last night, but had been too tired to talk to her. As Equius sat there, he glanced around the room. A lamp was toppled, Nepeta's chalk collection was in disarray, and her blue hat hung limply from a bed post.

Finally, Nepeta peeked up at Equius with big, shining eyes. He mouthed, "What's wrong?"

Nepeta heaved herself into a sitting position, leaning against the headboard. Her hair hung forward as olive-colored tears leaked silently down her face. Equius reached over and tenderly tilted her chin up. Nepeta took a deep, shuddering breath and whispered a single word.

"Karkat."