"This is probably the best Maud story I’ve ever read." - Shaslan

"This is one of the best Mauds I’ve ever seen." - Zontan

"This fic might be the best characterization of Maud I have ever read." - daOtterGuy

"Maud Pie has never felt so complete, so real to me." - mushroompone

"One of the most unique takes on Maud Pie that I think I have ever seen." - The Red Parade

Maud Pie keeps her burdens under wraps. A gloomy bus ride sits her still as a statue, waiting for stop number twelve. But the foundation cracks after a familiar face prances aboard

Teen rating for light language, allusions to alcohol, a fight scene, and Maud generally being too hard on herself.

Now with a written review!

Written for the sitewide 2022 May Pairings Contest. It nabbed a respectable Third Place.