He focuses on a spot in the rug, letting the afternoon silence envelop him, lead him into a place where openness with his most difficult brother is normal and acceptable. Openness is not the way, nobody ever told him but himself, and yet it's all he can think to do.

"She was a friend." The words he'd spoken to Monet's associate hours before feel heavier in his mouth now; it's the only thing he has left to say. Monet was a friend. More than that, she was a reminder, living proof that Leo can still follow wherever his heart leads.

Karai woke him up to the dangers of his own trusting nature. Monet helped him sleep again at night.