"Careful," Lunise swallowed down some emotion behind a smile. "If you say such things, I will start to think it is possible." She drew Meesei into a hug to comfort her. She continued with her chin nestled in the feathers on Meesei's head. "I am blessed to be part of your family, even if it is only privately. I am blessed that my mother appears just as open to you. I had been on my own for such a time before you that the feeling of a family had been forgotten by almost every part of me. Meeting mother today again, for the first time in over a century, reminded me that I am allowed to feel it."

Lunise held her arms more tightly around Meesei. "I should not be thinking in such circles. Nothing could take you away from your family." Her voice became constrained, as if holding back her own sobbing. "I love you so much, Meesei. I am sorry. I am beyond sorry."