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Memory
When Kara entered the living room of the mountain hut that Lena had rented for all the family she found her friend sitting in an armchair, staring into the brightly burning flames of the fire place.
"Lena?" Kara said tentatively.
But Lena didn't hear her and Kara approach her cautiously.
"Hey", she said again and this time Lena looked around in surprise, wiping her eyes.
"Kara, hi, I didn't hear you", she stammered.
"What's wrong?" Kara asked, sitting down opposite Lena and taking her hands.
Lena frowned and shook her head, taking a deep breath, "Nothing, I … I was just thinking…" She broke off, "Never mind, forget it. The others will be here soon so I better finish preparing."
But Kara didn't let her go and said softly, "Lena, please."
Lena stopped, her heart yearning to let go.
"Lena", Kara repeated, "Tell me what's hurting you, please."
And the love in her friend's voice made Lena's defences crumble like it had done so often before. She embraced Kara and held on tightly, crying freely. Kara held her close and that was all Lena needed at this moment. When they broke apart after a while, Lena looked at Kara.
"I was thinking about my mother. How fire destroyed her life and how this very element is the thing I control most easily now", she sobbed.
Kara nodded, "I'm sure she'd be very proud of you – of everything you've achieved with your magic and without it"
Lena smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Kara. I just wish I could have shared this with her, you know, learnt from her. I…" She broke off, overcome by emotion.
Kara embraced her again and caressed her back, whispering words of reassurance.
"I miss her so much, Kara", Lena choked out, squeezing Kara so tightly as if she were holding on for dear life.
Kara's heart broke and she said in a rather shaky voice, "I know."
Lena continued to clinging to Kara like her to her lifeline and whispered, "Thank you."
"Always", Kara smiled through her own tears.
