The chime of the phone rang through the small apartment as they were preparing for dinner. It had been four months of pure darkness. Riza rarely smiled or laughed now, and her eyes turned the color of old wine, unlike the old rich color and warmth. She locked away all emotion, a passionless look persistently placed roughly on her face.
At night- at night her mask slipped away. Her eyes filled with sorrow so heartbreaking, the brightest flowers wilted. Maes and the woman with him- she soon learned her name was Gracia- could hear her weeping at night, but they pretended not to. They had learned soon after they met to never confront her about her emotions. Riza had soon started staying with them as they realized she should be watched carefully. They knew of her strange dedication to Him.
Maes rose from the table and picked up the phone. He listened for a long time, his eyes widening at first, then a look of disbelief and caution, until finally a slow smile spread across his face. He left the room, the receiver still pressed firmly to his ear. Gracia and Riza could hear the low murmur of his voice emanating from the bedroom.
He returned almost a whole hour later, the remains of dinner being quickly placed away. He received a questioning look from his lover, but ignored it. Instead he addressed Riza, a massive smile on his face. She stared at him with a dead look until he spoke. Then her eyes swam with confusion. What was he planning?
"Pack your bags, Riza. We're going on a trip."