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“Columbia?” Janet asked softly, knocking on the door. She gripped the cold brass of Eddie's old saxophone in her sweaty hand, wondering why on Earth she thought this would be a good idea. “...Can I come in?”
“The door is unlocked.” Columbia mumbled from inside.
Janet took a deep breath. “Okay, I- I'm coming in now…” She opened the door slowly, her heart sinking as she saw Columbia curled up on… was that her bed? No, it couldn't possibly be, it was far too small. Frank wasn't that cruel, was he?
“What do you want?” Columbia asked bluntly, without turning to face Janet.
“I- I thought- well, Eddie handed me this before… well… you know. I figured if anyone here would want it, you…” Janet couldn't finish. She just shoved the saxophone at Columbia and tried to flee, but as she was reaching the door she was stopped.
“Wait… please.”
Janet paused. Was she really about to do this?! She had no clue how to comfort a grieving person, she'd thankfully never experienced the death of someone close to her. But something about Columbia’s tear-filled, high pitched voice convinced her to stay. “Yeah?”
“Can you… please just stay with me for a little while?” Columbia wiped a tear from her eye. It made Janet’s heart break, just a little.
“Why me?” She asked softly.
“You’re the only other person in this castle who cares.”
That was all Janet needed to hear.
They spent all afternoon together in Columbia’s room, and Janet listened to Columbia tell her a bunch of stories about Eddie. How he was the only way she ever got out of the castle, since Frank and the others wouldn't leave. How he was actually quite a gentleman and always insisted on holding open doors for her and carrying her places. How he played the most wonderful music.
And afterwards, Janet held Columbia while she sobbed, and she even stayed to accompany her after.
“Thanks, Janet.” Columbia sniffled, taking a lemon drop from Janet’s offering hand. “It’s been a long time since I've had human candy…”
“How do you tolerate living with a bunch of aliens anyways? It must be awful after a while… and what about your family?”
“Eh… they never cared much anyways. Plus, Eddie used to help a lot.” Columbia sighed sadly. “At least you and Brad aren't awful.”
“I have differing opinions about Brad.” Janet scoffed.
“Yeah, it's hard living with your ex.” Columbia rolled her eyes. “I used to date Frank.”
“Really?” Janet gasped.
“I mean… we never really broke up. That's the thing about dating here- everyone just fucks everyone, there's no real structure.” Columbia shrugged.
“...Sounds strange.”
“To you maybe.” Columbia smiled, letting it fall silent.
“Hey… Janet?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”