The woman stood with a flourish in her step as if she were about to waltz upon a stage, but turned before she could leave the room. "Also, love is a fickle thing. So do not rush. And if you love someone others say is forbidden, but they love you in return..." she shrugged and winked again. "Love isn't a sin. Just keep it to yourselves and be 'mere roommates'."

With her imparting wisdom,  she stepped out of the room and to the kitchen to make another pot of tea and hummed merrily to herself. If she ever discovered someone and invited her to be her own roommate,  would Ellie notice and wonder? She decided even if she did, she wouldn't say a thing.