Still huddled against the wall, Alice carefully opened her eyes. What was the last time someone had shared something personal with her or related to her? She turned her teary face towards the other woman and gave her a guarded look.

She had disliked her because she seemed to get along with Tobias. She hadn't seen her as anything else, and she hadn't expected to be seen as anything but what Tobias said she was.

When was the last time she had felt sorry for someone? These days, she was either numb, consumed in her own pain, or fighting off anyone who came near her with tongue or claw. Tobias said she was like a wild animal, and it pleased her.

"I'm sorry ye lost yer bairn," she said in a hoarse voice. Then she turned her eyes down, for the eyecontact felt uncomfortable.