"She is," Ashley says softly, missing her as acutely in that moment as she has every day since she came to this place. "I hadn't ever thought about what life would be like without her there. It was just never an option."

She knew her mother would outlive her, but never in a way like being snatched to this place. Or worse, the future she's soon to find out about.

"Is that how it always is for you? Is it always about fighting?" She fears that though, and worries for her and what kind of life that might be for Vanille.