Sara

Sara's real glad she's got an actual job, now. Between work, tending the farmhouse she's found in the countryside, and spending time with Greta, she's busy enough that her every waking thought isn't about Cid, at least. She's not entirely sure how she feels about that, but her stress levels aren't as high as they were when she first arrived.

She's on her way to Greta's now, actually. She's been working at the farmhouse all morning, getting things moved out that belonged to the previous owners, whoever they were. Things she neither needs nor wants. Then she'd gone back to her city apartment, washed up and changed. It's warm enough that she's in a slightly uncharacteristic outfit, with a skirt instead of her usual Bermuda shorts, and sandals instead of her usual boots.

It's not often that she even wants to look cute, anymore. Largely, it's because her energy has been focused on raising Cid. But it's also just because she hasn't been in the mood. But it's a beautiful day, and she's feeling somewhat accomplished, and she's off to see Greta and maybe drag her out for some sort of fun. She might as well look cute, right?

As usual, she's walking, instead of taking public transit. There's no sense in spending the money when the walk will do her good.

Eight days.

It's been eight days since she stepped out of her house and onto the train. Eight days without Cid. Eight days with no idea how he is, or if Joe's done his part.

Eight days of slowly climbing up the walls in this tiny apartment in this crowded city.

She's gone out almost every day. The first day was to get groceries and clothes. Most days, she's out exploring the city, trying to find little ways out that maybe nobody's noticed. Today, she's ventured into the countryside. There are some empty houses that are beautiful. Some of them are in disrepair. Some are newly purchased and in the middle of renovations. Sara aches for her farmhouse.

On her way back to the apartment, she finds herself heading instead to a store. She needs ice cream, she decides. She hasn't had ice cream in a long ass time. She deserves it. She grabs a basket, just in case, and ends up grabbing condoms, too.

Condoms, ice cream, some cigarettes, a pack of lighters. Then into the baking aisle to get some ingredients for cookie dough.

Why not? She fucking deserves it.