It had been five days since Cindy lost her best friend. She had been holed up in her apartment that entire time, Directors Amy and Ben insisting on giving her time off. The half-elf woke up one morning with a pounding headache. She had fallen asleep on the couch with a bottle of liquor right beside her. With no blanket to cover her, she felt the strong autumn chill as she slightly shivered. She had big black bags beneath her eyes as she slowly picked herself up. She reached around for her phone in order to check the date and time.

Oh, yeah. Today is...

The day that she would say goodbye to her friend for good. Cindy stood up from the couch and opened the window curtains, taking in the morning sun with a blank gaze on her face. She moved so robotically as she washed her face and brushed her teeth. She stared blankly into the bathroom mirror, trying her best to adjust her brutish face. But, it just stayed the same no matter what. The face of a broken woman kept reflecting on her.

She slowly put on her black dress. After the dress was on, she sat on the couch again, waiting until it was time. In the meanwhile, she had another sip of vodka. Then another, and another. After about an hour had passed, and the half-elf was sufficiently drunk, it was time for the funeral. She stood up from the couch once more, slightly stumbling, and walked out the door of her apartment.

***

The funeral took place at the Church of Krist, run by Pastor Price. It was a nice, short service. Elie looked so radiant as if she would spring up from her coffin at any moment. Cindy sat all the way in the back rows, not wanting to interact with anyone at all. She just wanted to be there to see her friend off one last time, and that's exactly what she did. As soon as Elie's body was buried, the half-elf left the scene immediately. As she was leaving, Cindy heard a voice familiar to Pastor Price calling out to her.

"Miss Cindy, is that you?" the pastor called out.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Cindy just ignored him as if she didn't hear, and left without saying a word to anyone. At least, that was what she wished for. As she walked back home, another voice greeted the half-elf.

"That was a nice service, huh?" Amy asked, greeting Cindy.

Cindy begrudgingly bit her lip as she was now forced to socialize. She did not plan on saying a word that day, but she could not just ignore her superior. Especially not Amy, the one who stood up for her.

"Hello, Director Amy. I didn't know you were close with Elie," Cindy said, putting on a fake smile.

"I wasn't. I came to check up on you, seeing how you haven't left your room at all. You can cut the stupid smile act too. It's creepy," Amy said as she shuddered in disgust.

"S-sorry."

"Anyways, how about we get some lunch? On me, of course."

"I-I haven't been very hungry lately," Cindy said, rubbing her stomach.

"Oh yeah? You've been mighty thirsty, though. I can smell the booze from here," Amy said, pinching her nose shut.

"I think it'd be easier if you just told me what you wanted, director. I'm sorry, but I'm really not in the mood for jokes right now," Cindy said bluntly.

"Oooh, scary," Amy said sarcastically. "After all I've done for you, this is how I'm treated. Such a heartbreaker, you are."

"Are you done?" Cindy asked.

"Yeah... fucking dense bitch," Amy whispered under her breath. "Seriously, we should talk, Cindy. Daddy's getting a little antsy, and me and Ben are worried about you."

"I'm fine. I'll be back to work tomorrow, I swear."

"I don't give a damn about your stupid charity work," Amy said. "We need to talk, lest you be fed to the wolves."

"Why are you talking like that?"

"Shut up. Listen, do you trust me or not?"

"I-it's not that, Amy. I just... need time alone."

"Don't we all?" Amy replied. "Unfortunately, time is of the essence now. So, please just shut the fuck up and trust your adorable director, okay?" she continued in an obnoxious, squeaky tone.

"Okay," Cindy replied, her head lowered in defeat.

"Great. I have a bottle in my room, so don't worry about getting shaky. Swing by when you get back to headquarters. If you don't, I'll kick your door down and drag you out. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," Cindy replied with a sour face.

Fuck.