The candle brought in from the shelter was still burning, in the silence, in the stillness.
The old woman stood and cupped the candle in her hands.
"I can see that you are still very determined," she said softly. "Then our conversation need not end tonight. You have many questions, and I have many answers. We can talk for many, many more nights."
Hesta nodded.
"Good night, Salima—"
"Call me by my name." Without waiting for Eunice to translate, Hesta held out her hand to the old woman. "My name is Jane Hesta. You can call me Jane... Jane."
The old woman hesitated, but she still took the hand before her. Only after Eunice told her what Hesta had said did she nod.
"Jane."
Holding the candlestick in one hand, the old woman pinched the tip of Hesta's middle finger with the other. She bent down slightly and pressed her forehead twice against Hesta's fingertip.
The old woman did not explain what she was doing. She soon turned and left.
Jahadorei immediately chased after her, and Eunice calling after her did no good.
"...Don't chase her. I'm going back to my room." Hesta shrugged. "Or I can take you to Stella's now. When Jahadorei gets back later, I'll just have her sleep in my room—it's already too late."
Eunice had no choice but to agree.
That night, Jahadorei was very quiet.
When she entered the room, Hesta and Victoria were already sitting on their own beds. They had made her a bedroll on the floor between the two wooden beds. Both of them were reading, looking intensely focused.
"...What are you standing there for?" Hesta asked.
"I don't want to sleep between you two," Jahadorei said. "Your gazes are too heavy. I wouldn't be able to sleep at all."