[@Mister Thirteen]
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Talk privately... There was so much that they could discuss. So much that he had missed in her life. So much, she was sure, that she had missed in his life. All that she was feeling. Everything that she was thinking. Yet, every potential conversation seemed to elude her. Hesitance prevented her from speaking. She sat silently on the couch, until finally Blake spoke. She perked up at first, as if he had her full attention. 

Though, hearing his words she seemed to deflate. “Oh.” Her eyes downcast and she seemed to sink further into the couch. She had heard those condolences over and over. They were always well intentioned; the reminded always seemed to reopen a fresh wound. “Thank you.” She replied with practiced ease. 

“And thank you for bringing me here.” Maddison added after a pause. She couldn’t help but feel a little intrusive being her... Her whole life, he didn’t have anything to do with her. And suddenly, he was burdened with the responsibility of taking her in. It wasn’t home yet, but it was nice here. And without him, she didn’t know where she would have ended up. “Everything is great.” She assured. “Better than great. So you guys don’t have to go out of your way to accommodate me.” She insisted.  

“But,” Maddison glanced up at him, wringing her hands slowly. “I did want to ask you.” She started, but her words trailed. “Do you have time?” She wondered. “I mean... For me?” She gestured to herself. “Or do you work a lot?” It was one of the very few things her mother had ever told about him. And judging from his lifestyle it seemed to ring true. [i]He was a hard worker.[/i]  

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