"Yeah, Francoise, it's nice. You'll be cool in the summer," said Joe very politely. He smiled at Francoise, who fluffed her hair gently with her fingers.

"Thank you, Joe."

She was hoping for more of a romantic compliment, but Joe was being courteous and practical. She had just returned from the salon. While walking through town she noticed a picturesque hair boutique nestled in between the shops. Just as she saw it, an unexpected urge sparked her thoughts. She wanted a change. And she thought, I must first change myself.

It was a small change, and only physical, but still a difference none the less. The stylist trimmed inches off her flaxen hairs. The longest layers that before rested far below her shoulders now only touched her jawline. Although just her hair was shortened, she somehow left lighter.

"We all agree," chimed in the Great Brit, "it's a nice change, simply lovely." His eyes shut as he grinned.

She blushed a bit, now becoming conscious that too much attention was being focused upon her-

A sudden shattering of glass against the floor broke the enjoyable ambiance.

Her blush paled as everyone's head turned to see where the crash had come from. There, in the door frame standing still and quiet and tall was Albert. His hand was frozen by his side. Shards of broken glass lay scattered around his feet, from the glass cup he had been holding.

Francoise's eyes met his. His milky eyes were in shock, and startled, as if he had seen a ghost. They remained locked on her steadily, and intensely blatant. At the moment she grew to feel his gaze had been too penetrating, he swiftly turned and was gone.

The room was left in an awkward and unanswered heavy silence.

"What was that about?" Great Britain was the first to speak.

The warm rays through the windows from the setting sun did nothing to warm her. A shudder trailed through her body. Albert was not only one of her teammates, but also one of her companions, and the calmest and collected in the group. She had never before seen him so haunted.