I woke up the next morning feeling fresh and rejuvenated and peered at Kirika who slept quietly in her usual position with her usual clothes. I wonder if she had a late night. Maybe I teased her too much. She could use some new clothes, that's partly my fault. She doesn't really have her own accounts or stash of money bar some pocket money; but if she asked for anything I certainly buy it for her. She never asks for much, maybe a bottle of milk here, a small sketchbook there but she never asks for a new shirt or dress. "You are too selfish with your money, Mireille" I blurted to myself, you should buy her a nice blue blouse or a little red dress rather than let her buy those dorky children clothes from the weekend markets. She's a woman not a a child, she can have a makeover, some lipstick, some makeup, maybe some new lingerie? Mademoiselle Bouquet! What would your mother think!

Quickly I interrupted my train of thought and made a beeline for the morning baguettes at the local patisserie. I might be wealthy but this daily bread satisfies me greatly. While I was walking back the thought of last night's conversation bothered me, I wondered what has got into Kirika. Why would she be sad? Is she still sad from what happened at The Manor? Losing Chloe was hard on her and she regretted ever since. Or can it be she still feels the need to atone? Maybe? She is too hard on herself. She is still an enigma to me. The other thing that bothered me was I said she was more of a masochist. I shouldn't have said that in retrospect. That worries me, what will I lead her to? but also what might she lead me to? I will just have to tell her the day it comes.

The rest of the morning shopping went without incident and was very pleased with myself for getting a bargain on cream, honey and fresh raspberries and strawberries. I was hoping to have a little afternoon by the window with Kirika. Just a bit of solitude between ourselves while the weather is still warm enough. Actually it will be very quiet, it is approaching December and not many people ask for assassins near Christmas. When I got back to the apartment, I was in for a shock. She was nowhere to be found.

"Kirika? Kirika?" I shouted with an air of concern and panic. I looked behind the shower curtains and then also in the closet to no avail. I know she likes to go on her own personal excursions once in awhile but often she tells me. Please don't leave me again Kirika, not like last time. As I was about to give Kirika a phone call, I saw her message:

"Look under the plant"

I reached my hand under the new belladonna pot plant lying by the window. Beneath lay a small letter written by Kirika which I read with a dread of deja vu.

"Daisuki Na Mireille, I know I've said this before but I need to write again. Thank you Mireille for saving me in The Manor. I wanted to die in the pit with Altena because I cannot atone for what I have done. You forgive but I cannot forgive myself for all the pain I've caused you. Please let me make it up to you Mireille. I promise I will come home. I will serve you dinner tonight so please don't make anything."

"Kirika, you silly girl" as I wiped a tear off my cheek.