"You lost your parents too?" asked Navia.
"Yes," said Ayaka. "When I was young."
"I'm sorry," said Navia. "I didn't know."
"In some ways, it's a blessing. I can't remember them well, so there's less to miss."
Ayaka sipped her tea, dabbing a napkin to her lips. She controlled her emotions masterfully. A long silence fell over the table, where they considered Ayaka's sentiment.
"Honestly," said Shinobu, "I'm kind of jealous of you both."
They glanced at her.
"Sorry," she murmured. "It's just… you both can love your parents. I haven't talked to mine in years. They'd try to bring me back to the shrine maiden life."
"No need to apologize," said Navia. "It's fine to feel how you feel."
"Thanks," said Shinobu. "What about your parents, Beidou?"
"Lost them as a kid. But I was raised by the village chief, so I never felt too bad. And you?"
Chasca shrugged. "Raised by Qucusaurs. Got adopted by my tribe."
Collei looked away, reluctant to talk about her past. Arlecchino covered for her by simply saying, "I never knew mine," diverting everyone's attention. Collei shot her a thankful glance.
Chevreuse sighed. "My relationship with my dad is … complicated."
"Same here," said Dehya.
"Even if I wanted to talk to my foolish parents," said Eula, "they would have nothing to do with me anyway."
Rosaria abruptly got up and excused herself. Her heels echoed on the floorboards until she opened the door and stepped outside. A whole minute passed before the doors opened. She returned to her seat, her eyes a puffy red.
Navia studied her gathered friends.
"I suppose… we're all a little messed up."
"Speak for yourself," said Beidou with a smirk.
They all managed to chuckle.
"It's fine," said Dehya. "It's not always important where you come from. What really matters is the life you make for yourself." She raised her cup. "To our bond of sisterhood."
They all clinked cups and sipped.
