A crowd stood gathered amidst the gray headstones of the St.Basilia cemetery, shuffling their feet against the wet grass and fallen leaves as cold wind whispered through the bare branches overhead.

The air was heavy with a nameless dread. All was silent save for the muffled sobs of the widow in black, her wrinkled kerchief clutched tight against her heaving bosom.

The pallbearers emerged somberly from the scrubby tree line, their faces drawn and stoic. They treaded solemnly with downcast eyes as the polished oak casket was balanced on their bowed shoulders.

As the bearers neared the burial site, the widow's muffled sobs turned to wails as it donned on her that she will never see her spouse again.

But then, a strange rumbling noise issued up from the depths. The procession froze, the widow's wails catching briefly in her throat. Then, with shocking suddenness, a soiled hand emerged, grasping at air, followed by the disheveled form of Sadie clawing her way out of the grave's maw.

Her sight struck such terror in the foremost bearer's heart that he staggered back in shock. His foot twisted, slipping on the wet earth and very nearly losing his footing entirely.

The casket swung wildly, creaking ominously as it was hurled back and forth between the men in their attempt to rebalance it.

Sadie clutched at the loose earth, dragging herself half-senseless from that terrible place. Her dress was torn, and her face smeared with mud. Awkwardly smiling, she faced the entire gathering fixated on her.

"My condolences," she said, clenching her hands together, squinting to read the departed's name on the coffin – it spelled 'Henry.'

"Henry was such a great man. I... I cannot believe he's gone." she continued, passing her hand near her cheek, where the wound was still painful.

She looked behind at the grave hole, then continued, " I've spent the entire night mourning him. I... I must've fainted from crying and hit my cheek on a sharp stone after falling in the hole."

A murmur spread through the crowd as people had questions. To avoid scrutiny, Sadie broke into intensified sobbing, turning back to face them. The widow's sister took pity, covering Sadie's shoulders with her coat.

"Henry led a good life, judging by the many mourning his departure. Come with me, dear, I'll care for you. You need to clean yourself up before you catch a cold," the widow's sister suggested.

Sadie didn't resist the woman's efforts; it was her lifeline in this sea of black. Placing her hand in the old woman's reaching hand, she was led to the church interior. They descended beneath the church into a basement room where the funeral repast was being served.

The room was warm and filled with delicious smells. Sadie took a deep breath, exhaling her worries and pain before inhaling the comforting warmth.

The old woman passed a kerchief over Sadie's cheek, gently wiping her face before saying, "You need to change your clothes, child. They're ruined. There's a bathroom on the left side of the corner. Go, get rid of them, and wear my coat instead."

Sadie protested, "But I have no spare clothes to wear beneath it."

"No one will notice if you keep it buttoned," the lady said, winking at Sadie.

Staring at her dirtied clothes, Sadie began to cough. "You're right, ma'am. I'll go change at once."

In the restroom, as she changed attire, Sadie peeked at herself in the mirror and noticed the rash on the side of her face was gone.

"Hmm, strange," she commented. "The mud bath must have cleared my pimples."

Looking down, she realized her heroic costume looked silly and overly elaborate. Feeling unfit for such a design, she felt a thousand times lighter as she ripped it off and donned the long coat the kind old lady offered her.

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She then returned to the repast room. The old woman was already gone, so Sadie seized the opportunity to snatch an apple from the service table before climbing back up the stairs to the church.

Upon entering the gothic church, she immersed herself in its hallowed ambiance. Seating herself in the last row, she leaned back, gazing at the ribbed vaults above and the vibrant stained glass windows.

The colors shining inside triggered memories of the troublesome serum, and as she looked at the apple in her hand, thoughts of Cynthia flooded her mind.

"Damn Mac, he deserted me when I needed him the most. That's what I get for trusting a literal rat." The sense of betrayal surged through Sadie, and she crushed the apple between her fingers, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Then, I went to Mother Zahya's grave, seeking any sort of guidance, but all I received was silence."

The loneliness gripping Sadie's heart became unbearable. She was tired of pretending she didn't need anyone, tired of the facade that she would be fine on her own. Rodents and the dead offered no true company.

"I need someone to help me If I am to save the kid. Cynthia... She tried to be there for me, yet I consistently pushed her away. I've been unjust to her, or perhaps I've been unfair to myself by rejecting her."

The solitude surrounding Sadie echoed with the crucifix before her. Even the Lord had a friend nearby in his direst moment. Overwhelmed by emotions she didn't understand, Sadie decided that Cynthia would be her John.

"If I am fated to fight a system rotten to the core, then I want Cynthia to bite from the same apple as me." She concluded.

And with that conclusion, she went on her way. School was not very far from the church, but the closer she got to the school building, the more fretful she became as she considered what she would say to Cynthia.

"I've not been a good friend as of late; a lot of words were left unsaid, and we left on awkward pacing the last time." Sadie blushed as she remembered their last encounter, how she had sucked the poison from Cynthia's lips, only to then spit it out in disgust before leaving Cynthia confused in the locker room.

"What do I tell her now? How should I explain myself? Do I admit I poisoned her and then tried to save her life? Will she even forgive me? I am already paying the price for it. But losing her is a price I can't fathom."

With these thoughts, Sadie became nervous and agitated. What if she had already lost her? What if Cynthia thought that Sadie didn't deserve a friend like her?

'Stupid mind that can't shut up,' Sadie complained under her breath. She needed something to calm her nerves before she could face Cynthia. As she looked to her side, she saw a small clinic. Its name was familiar to her; it was the name the doctor wrote down for her a few days ago when he came to her building.

'Surely he can prescribe me some drugs to numb my nervousness,' Sadie thought to herself before heading straight into the clinic.

The young doctor had his back turned, fixing bottles on his counter. Sadie coughed to get his attention.

'Welcome, have a seat.' he answered without turning.

'Doctor, you've told me before I can come in anytime for consultation and medicine.'

'I remember you. Crohn's can have pernicious symptoms.'

The doctor came close to her, intrigue apparent on his expression. He reached his hand to her face, scrutinizing the side of her face before invasively opening her eye to check the sclera.

'Fascinating,' the doctor said.

'Ehm... Doctor?'

"Your skin and the white of your eyes seem to have cleared up. The symptoms of your Crohn's have reduced significantly. Do you mind if I take a cell tissue sample from you for further testing? It's the first time in my medical career that I've seen such noticeable improvements."

'Great, more needles,' Sadie thought, but she responded. "I'd be willing to if you give me something to calm me down after, if you know what I mean."

The doctor smiled to show his acceptance before going to his office and getting a needle. Sadie reluctantly lowered her pants a little and parted her coat, exposing her side to the doctor so he could collect a sample.

'All done,' the doctor declared. "Now for your reward."

Sadie smiled, anticipating to receive a bag of drugs.

"Close your eyes and open your hand," the doctor ordered her. She found it strange but complied nonetheless. Sadie then felt something placed in the palm of her hand. As she opened her eyes, she saw a red gummy bear in the middle of her palm.

'What in the world?' Sadie said.

'A reward for being so calm. If you need anything..."

"Nope, I'm good," Sadie said disappointedly as she slapped her hands on her legs to propel herself up.

As she was leaving, the doctor called out to her, "And don't forget to put a plaster on that cheek."

Sadie raised her arm with a thumbs up as she kept walking to exit the clinic.

Upon arriving at school, she stood frozen in the hall, her heart sinking to her stomach.

The red gummy bear between her index and thumb, she contemplated it intently.

"Now is the moment of truth."

"What, are you in love with her or something?"

"What? No! Shut up."

"You kissed her, you must love her. Or you wouldn't be trembling at the thought of seeing her again."

"Dude, shut up."

"I am arguing with a gummy bear," Sadie realized. "This has gone too far." She shoved the gummy in her mouth, swallowing it whole before running determinedly to class and standing by the door.

Numerous students passed her by as she looked at each one, trying to discern Cynthia. When Jessica entered, Sadie asked her, "Where the hell is Cynthia?"

But Jessica replied, "I haven't seen her today; it's been a couple of days since she hasn't come to school."