[ What competent adults, curled up on a couch. Maya's uncharacteristically quiet, head throbbing slightly as she silently wars with herself. It means a lot, really-- that Momo doesn't have the full story and that he's still doing his best to offer advice and encouragement. He'd have every right to ask her for more details for a better sense of understanding, too, since she's the one who brought it up.

But he doesn't, and the ache that accompanies the wistful thought of ever making contact with those kids again, telling them all about this town and the people she'd met, happily dragging them into the ocean-- it's soothed by a warm sense of gratitude. ]

I really can't... but thanks, Momo.

[ And she means that. ]

... Maybe one day, when I think it won't make you cry, I'll tell you.

[ Or maybe she won't be emotionally and physically drained and this will definitely never come up again. ]

But I'll definitely find those happy spots, starting here.