September, Hana and Mika were wiped out when they came down to the kitchen after their baths. “My muscles pain all over.” 

“I’ll massage you before bed,” September suggested. “You’re still growing, so it’s common to feel some discomfort.” she looked at Hana, “We really shouldn’t be training this hard. It’s not necessary. We’re going to injure our muscles before the competition.”
Hana set the tray of eggs on the counter, “scrambled eggs and trout.” she told Mika, “it will help.” 

“Okay.” Mika winced as she got up on the kitchen counter. “I’m fine.” she rolled her eyes at September, “You’re hovering. Ever since you got back you’ve been so soft. It's really annoying.” 

Hana stilled, “Go get me some herbs.” when they were alone. “Are you going to pull it together and accept this is your life now? People are starting to notice.” 

“I’ve changed. It was three years. It might as well have been a lifetime.” September defended. “Do you expect me to just forget? To pretend like it didn’t happen. Like he doesn’t exist?” 

 Hana crushed an egg in her hands. 

September sighed and glared furiously out the window. 

“Forget it, forget him, forget everything because at this rate even Mika will beat you.” 

September put the kettle on, “If I lose...then he loses...right?” 

Hana smashed another egg, “Yes.” 

“Wouldn’t that be called social responsibility?” 

Hana covered and tried not to laugh. “You’d get a noble peace prize.” she softened, “Little sister…” 

“Oh, here you are my darlings!” Davi swanned into the kitchen. One look at her and they knew she’d taken her pills. “Where’s the wine.”

“I think that’s enough…” Hana forced the bottle from her hands. 

“I did something bad today.” she giggled and kissed Hana on both cheeks, “Should I tell you?” she whispered and looked back at September, “But we can’t tell Yifeng.” 

“I don’t want to know.” Hana clamped a hand over . 

“Then give me wine.” 

“What’s going on?” Mika asked, “Urgh is she having another episode? Everyday!” 

“Mika!” September was annoyed at her unsympathetic reaction, “I’ll finish here.”
“I’m taking the Madame to get some fresh air.” Hana half-carried Davi out the back door. 

“Let’s go to the meadow.” Davi broke free and ran ahead. Hana shoved her hands into her pockets and followed. 

“Hey!” September called after Baekhyun when he ran out the back door. “Where is he off too?” she watched him run after Davi. He’d found someone else to worry about now. She shook her head. When would he learn? She thought about the sonogram hiding in her bag. He would have made a great father. Her eyes misted over. 

“Hurry. I’m hungry and I need to sleep.” 

September shifted her attention to the teenager, “What is up with you?” 

***

Davi picked the blue flowers and them threw them over Hana’s head, “Very pretty.” Hana agreed. 

“Take me dancing.” Davi took Hana’s hand, “I haven’t been dancing in years.” 

“You dance enough,” Hana mumbled but then she twirled Davi in and out. “There…” she cleared , “Happy now?” 

Davi spun around her. Hana laughed and then saw Baekhyun, “You shouldn’t follow the Madame like this. Master Yifeng won’t take lightly to it. No matter how popular you are.” 

Davi plopped down at Hana’s feet and started picking flowers and dropping them on her lap. 

Baekhyun sat down in the tall flowers, “It’s peaceful here.” 

“Leave.” Hana left Davi and stood in front of Baekhyun, “This is Madame Zhang’s special place. It’s where her daughter used to play.” 

Baekhyun stared at Davi, “It’s literally like night and day with her.” 

After a moment she sat beside him and inhaled when her back pulled.“She uses all her energy to get through the day, but then at night when everyone is asleep and it’s just her thoughts and memories - she needs a little help then.” She stiffened when Baekhyun moved to kneel behind her, “What are you doing?” 

“Just let me help. This is something I know about.” he pressed a hand to her back. Hana closed her eyes, “You shouldn’t be overexerting yourself