So much for her brilliant plan to change the subject. Mina tapped her fingertips together a moment or two, debating the best way to say what she needed to say. "Jacqueline," she started slowly, drawing out each syllable of the name, "you are younger than I am, you are smarter than I am, and you have a life ahead of you still. A purpose. A reason. What I have is an empty room...well...metaphorically speaking, as I technically have a burdensome flatmate."

Mina didn't enjoy opening old wounds, but it was called for tonight. "You want to go back home, I know that. Because you have so much to return home to. A husband who loves you. Your mother and father who dote on you more than you will ever know." She paused. "I hope you do get back. I honestly do. But you see, I have no motivation. No motivation to go back and, frankly, no motivation to go forward."

Baedal offered her nothing. She was met everywhere with derision and loneliness and broken promises. "I'm tired of things going wrong."