Chapter Text
They are in the crypt. They're staring.
Laura's wet eyes look intently at Mia, at her perfect lips, the unreal green of her eyes, and her soft, dark hair. Her hand is settled against Mia's back, and she can feel the calming coolness of her body.
There are no pictures to remember Mia by. There is only this moment, and she is latching onto it like a moth to a flame. Stay, she thinks for a passing second, but then she shakes her head, chides herself for her ridiculous thought, and shoves it into the recesses of her mind. Soon, she believes the thought has never been, but her eyes are still wet, her cheeks are still hot from tears, and her hand is still on Mia's back.
Don't go.
Startled by the conjuring of her subconscious once more, she allows her higher mind to take control; she feels the burning gazes of her children and her husband. Mia seems to too, as she is the first to let go. As the Synth releases herself from the embrace, her hand slides down Laura's arm before falling limply to her side. They both flinch for a moment at their severed embrace, gazes wavering, longing.
Why do Joe's watchful eyes make her feel so uneasy? Laura wonders. The transpiring had merely been a farewell embrace with a friend, her closest friend. She is certain she'll get over it eventually (but oh, there is something heavy pushing on her chest; she's frightened her pulse might halt and she'll fall). Laura's face pales as she comes to the understanding that this might be their final goodbye.
The Synth seems to realize Laura's thoughts, and though she isn't capable of crying, she closes her eyes as if she is holding back tears. She then gathers her strength and turns around to leave. At this, Laura immediately loses her balance, and places a hand against her abdomen to steady herself as she watches Mia go.
Suddenly, Sophie walks forward and breaks the heavy silence. "Aren't you going to say goodbye?" she asks.
A sad smile creeps up on Laura's face as Mia stoops down and envelops her youngest daughter in her arms. "Goodbye, Little Mouse," she whispers before she releases Sophie from her hold.
And then she's gone.
While Joe and the children compose themselves, Laura remains icebound as she stares at the door from which Mia and the Elsters left.