Three days later, Diamond arrived at Sunset's residence with her parents in tow. Despite her exhaustion, the teen did her best to be welcoming.

"You must be Mr. and Mrs. Rich. Nice to meet you."

She extended her hand. Filthy returned the gesture.

"Please, come in."

Diamond's family entered the quaint space. It was tidy with minimal clutter.

"We owe you our deepest gratitude," the older gentleman said, "We had no idea Diamond was struggling with something so unprecedented. Without your help, we may have never known."

"It's easier to talk about with people in similar situations. She didn't know how to tell you."

"So it would appear."

"The best thing you can do for your daughter is listen. Look into the nuances of her condition. Everyone's circumstances are unique, even if it's just in small ways."

"Well, we're just glad she found someone she can relate to."

"What time should I have her ready?"

"Sunday afternoon should suffice."

"Gotcha."

"If you need anything, give us a call."

Filthy handed Sunset a business card with his number printed on the bottom.

"Thank you."

The man nodded. He led his wife out the door. Sunset turned her attention to Diamond.

"Should we get practice out of the way or relax first?"

"I just wanna get it done."

"I'll show you the royal combat style used by nobility."

"How's it work?"

"It's a one-handed style that relies on firm posture. Mastering it will make you look more imposing."

"Are you nuts? I could barely hold that thing with two."

"If you do it right, your stance will evenly distribute the blade's weight. The remaining resistance will ease off when you get a bit stronger."

"If you say so."

Sunset told Diamond to stop after thirty minutes. Dusk was already setting in.

"That's good. Don't push yourself. Last thing we need is for you to get injured."

"I'm so tired..."

"I know. Just breathe. I'll go get you some water."

The teen went inside. She filled a glass with liquid and dropped three ice cubes in its confines. She returned to the house's exterior and handed the drink to Diamond.

"Sip it slowly. If you chug it, you might get sick."

Diamond held the glass to her lips. The ketones from the physical activity caused it to taste sweeter than usual.

"Come on. Let's chill out on the roof."

Sunset jumped next to the house. She gripped the edge of the apex, pulling herself up.

"Hand me the water first."

Diamond gave the glass back to Sunset.

"Take my hand."

Diamond jumped next. The older girl pulled her up.

"So this is what it's like hanging out with a high schooler, huh?"

"Exciting, isn't it?" Sunset replied with playful sarcasm.

Diamond let out a quick exhale through her nostrils.

Diamond and Sunset laid together on the roof for a while, watching as the sun sank further behind the trees.

"Why is it I've never seen you with a guy?" Diamond suddenly asked.

Sunset frowned.

"Relationships aren't all they're cracked up to be. Movies and books only show the good parts. I've seen people much older than us separate for really messed up reasons. I couldn't bear that kind of heartache."

"What kind of reasons?"

"Pedophilia, rape, abuse, that kind of shit."

"Eew! Gross!"

"Tell me about it."

"So there's no such thing as a happy ending after all?"

"Not quite. It's rare, but there are relationships that have been lifelong."

"I hope I can find something like that someday."

"Is there someone you like?"

"Kind of..."

"But...?"

"She's a girl..."

"I won't ask who 'cause that's your private business, but you should talk to her. Get to know her. She might feel the same way."

"Isn't it weird, though?"

"Maybe by archaic dark age standards, but people are more open-minded these days. Ironically it's one of the few things we seem to be making progress on, albeit slowly."

"What if she doesn't like me?"

"Rejection sucks, but trust me, I'll take that over dating a lunatic any day. Some things just aren't meant to be, and remember, you can always hit me up if you're having a bad day."

"I guess..."

Sunset pulled the child into a gentle embrace. She hated herself for spilling such ugly truths, but lying would've done more harm.

"I know it's hard, but as long as you're around, there's time. Don't give up before you've given your all."

"I won't."

"Come on. I bought us some goodies. We can pig out and watch Hellraiser."

Author's Note