Officer Silei looked at the cup in Simoya's hands in some confusion. She did not understand what was going on with these young people—one had suddenly decided to smoke, while the other was drinking coffee late at night. It seemed none of them wanted to sleep.
"There's nothing that needs doing right now," Officer Silei said, amused yet somewhat moved. "I only came out because I noticed Jane seemed to have been outside all along... You young people chat. I need to get some rest. God, what time is it..."
Hesta and Simoya stood side by side, watching Officer Silei depart.
"...Did you need something from me?" Hesta looked at Simoya. She could tell the other woman seemed hesitant. "Is there something you want to say?"
Simoya held back a smile. "Yes."
"...What is it?" Hesta asked curiously.
"It might be a little sentimental..." Simoya smiled before she finished speaking. She glanced at Hesta, then lowered her gaze before raising it again. This time, her whole expression had become more resolute. "But I wanted to tell you something."
"Mm, I'm listening."
"...I recognized you too, Jane."
Hesta frowned slightly. "...Hm?"
"I don't know whether you realize what you're doing, or whether you simply followed your instincts and ended up here," Simoya said softly. "But I am very certain of one thing: your name... will endure."
"Endure?"
"Yes." Simoya's voice was quiet, but her tone had never been firmer. "History will carve your name into itself. Many years from now, many people will speak of you. They will praise you, debate you, slander you... Many will carve out from your image whatever they need, just as we draw nourishment from the history of the past..."
Hesta gave a thoughtful hum. She could hear the weight in Simoya's words, and for a