//------------------------------//
// Chapter 11: Aftermath (Edited) 
// Story: Our Chaotic Melancholy 
// by Edensola 
//------------------------------//



CHAPTER 11: AFTERMATH


Cheerilee softly batted her eyelids as she laid in her bed. 

It was another familiar morning it seemed; and the morning sun's rays shone through her window, decking her face with warmth and irritation at the same time, waking her up.

Cheerilee yawned as she placed one hoof over her mouth, and stretched out the other as she did so, before leaning up. She found herself wearing a smile with an eager expression as she spoke softly. "Goodmorning sweetie...."

But there were no words to accompany her daily greeting. There was only silence.

Cheerilee found this strange, as she blinked a bit after realizing Eve wasn't in the room with her. "Eve?..."

Cheerilee glanced around the room with a blank expression. Where was she? The mare then slowly climbed out of bed as she trotted around the room, looking for any sign of the baby draconequus. "Eve? Sweetie, come out now, you're starting to worry me." She checked under the bed, nothing. She checked in the bathroom, nothing. She checked in her closet and even her drawers, nothing. Eve was absolutely nowhere to be seen. 

A look of slight paranoia overcame Cheerilee as she gulped. 

This was unlike Eve, Cheerilee didn't find herself irresistible but, Eve was always by her side when she was home, why would today be any different? Maybe she was overreacting, maybe the baby draconequus was simply downstairs watching TV. 

Cheerilee found herself skipping out on washing her face and getting ready at the moment. The only thing she found herself doing was hurriedly trotting downstairs, hoping that Eve would be down there waiting for her. But as she made her way down her creaky steps, the hall, and into the living room, she found it was no different than from earlier: Eve was nowhere to be seen. 

Cheerilee was becoming overwhelmed with dread. They weren't related by blood, no; but even now, Cheerilee had found her attachment to the draconequus surprisingly strong. And although they were only together for a short time, she loved Eve with all her heart, and wanted to give her a happy life, she felt like a caring mother, and she was happy she did. She didn't want to give up that feeling, or the draconequus, so, where was she? Where was her little Eve?

Cheerilee shook her head for a bit in denial, this couldn't be happening. And she felt she wasn't overreacting in the slightest, she was worried for her adopted daughter. This wasn't some ordinary occurrence, this was unlike Eve. Cheerilee began pacing back and forth in the living room, pondering what could've happened. She started second guessing herself whether taking Eve outside was a smart decision, could the baby draconequus have been seen? Was she stolen!? 

But as she did all this, out of the corner of her eye, Cheerilee caught sight of something odd in particular. She couldn't believe she didn't notice it before but, the sight of it caused her eyes to widen. 

Folded neatly on a the desk with the flowerpot in the hallway, was Eve's black hoodie, with a piece of paper sitting on top of it, and even from where she was standing, Cheerilee could see there was text written on it.

This caused Cheerilee to twitch one eye, as she slowly made her way over to Eve's hoodie. As she stood there looking down at it and the piece of paper, she felt uneasy. She found she was actually trembling, and she didn't want to find out what that letter said, but she knew she had to read it. Perhaps it was a clue to Eve's location. So Cheerilee did what she felt she had to, and slowly raised a hoof, grabbing the letter delicately; gulping, and then holding it in front of her and looking over the text. 

As her eyes scrolled over the contents of the letter, it wasn't hard to notice Cheerilee seemed absolutely puzzled by what it said. And by the end, she was speechless. The mare's expression darkened as she simply dropped the letter to the floor, and then stomped on it once, crumpling it. 

Cheerilee suddenly seemed to be overcome by an entirely different mood. She seemed to be masking a hidden fury; gritting her teeth angrily as she looked as if she were about to lose it.

Cheerilee then turned, making her way back upstairs, and leaving the letter on the ground.

The letter stated simply,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Mother,

Thank you for taking care of me for all this time.
But I've decided I must move on. I've realized that I don't belong here.
I don't want to get you into trouble, or be the cause of misfortune for you.

Thank you, and I wish you the best.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


As Cheerilee made her way to the bathroom, she found she was having trouble keeping her cool.

She looked into the mirror with half closed eyes, and a look of utter failure placated on her face.
So; Eve decided to leave, hm?

What nonsense! Cheerilee felt insulted. Insulted by that letter, insulted by the simple fact that whoever contrived such a faulty piece of scrap actually believed she'd consider it being the truth. No; Cheerilee got an entirely different message from reading over that letter. A message that told her that not only had something happened to her little Eve; that whoever took her and for whatever reasons, considered her simple minded, maybe even a moron. Did the pony who placed the letter there actually believe Cheerilee wouldn't question every little aspect of it? Eve would never leave out of the blue in such a manner, and she didn't feel like she was insulting her baby draconequus but did Eve even know how to write? And why would she feel the need to leave her hoodie behind as well? No. Whoever made that letter wasn't thinking straight, and didn't do their best work, didn't think out the entire process, and that'd cost them dearly. 

Of course, Cheerilee already had an idea of who was involved. 

But she didn't want to sit here and dwell on dealing with this issue, no, she wanted it to be a surprise. She'd go about her normal day and when she was ready, she'd ensure it came out of the blue, guaranteeing she'd find out what she wanted. Cheerilee would show this pony that she wasn't so easy to fool.

So Cheerilee did as she usually did, washing her face, brushing her teeth, combing her mane and then making her way out of the house and for school. But as she did so, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of failure as a mother, she'd failed to ensure the safety of Eve. And although she didn't know where she was, her condition, or if she was simply kicked out once again, she felt that she'd failed in ensuring her well-being. And it caused the mare to be overcome with grief.

But she'd find out what'd happened, this wouldn't end here.





As Cheerilee made her way to the schoolhouse; she didn't fail to notice Apple Bloom and the other cutie mark crusaders were now present.

They were outside the schoolhouse as usual, attempting multiple different feats in order attain their cutie marks. And as the three of them noticed their familiar teacher approaching the schoolhouse, they each regarded her with a smile and a wave.

Scootaloo was first. "Hey Miss.Cheerilee! Sorry about missing school the other day! We were kind of busy!"

Sweetie Belle sighed lowering her head. "Tell me about it; that sure was a long day."

Apple Bloom cocked a brow at her two friends. "You're telling me! Shucks! I can't believe sis went through all that trouble. I wish she let me stay home today."

Cheerilee of course didn't fail to notice this, and the cutie mark crusaders also didn't fail to notice the sudden change in their teacher. Cheerilee didn't seem to be in a good mood, and this was rare, she regarded the three of them with a questioning glance. "Trouble? Now that's interesting. Apple Bloom, sweetie; mind telling me what happened? I'm quite curious."

To this Apple Bloom gulped, Cheerilee's tone of voice was really quite peculiar and creepy. Apple Bloom's gaze shifted to the lower left as she stuttered. "I...I uhm...A-Applejack said that it'd be best not to talk about..."

Cheerilee smiled softly at Apple Bloom closing her eyes. "Is that so?...." 

There was a looming silence for a moment before the cutie mark crusaders all eyed one another with nervous glances.

Cheerilee continued, speaking in a kind and gentle tone. "Okay you all, hurry on inside; you three have some work you need to catch up on. We also need to discuss today's lesson."

The cutie mark crusaders then looked up at Cheerilee with a smile, nodding happily to her as they all seemed somewhat relieved their teacher didn't come off as all scary anymore.

The three little fillies then trotted back to the schoolhouse, making their way inside. 

Cheerilee remained outside for a moment as the three of them went inside. She peered at the ground with an emotionless expression and half closed eyes. She was silent, and seemed to be lost in her own dark thoughts. She recalled the time when Eve had asked her if they could run away together, she knew that was strange, if only she'd persisted on finding out why her baby draconequus was so nervous at that time then maybe she could've found out more about the situation. This only fueled Cheerilee's irritation more, what'd happened? Who would hurt her precious Eve? She was so sweet and caring, and filled with life and curiosity, she just wanted to live like everypony else. She just wanted acceptance and to make friends and be able to play outside, find a hobby, do all these things other ponies and races were able to do. Why should Eve be forced to live a life not even most adults would be able to cope with let alone a child? This angered her tremendously.  

All she had to do was last through this school day real quick, and that's exactly what she did.

Cheerilee was quiet majority of the class of course, simply glancing over old school work and papers, still lost in her own silent grief. The class didn't question it, actually they abused Cheerilee's lack of concentration, and majority of the day just conversed with one another and talked about things that had nothing to do with Cheerilee's lesson. 

And in some way, Cheerilee actually didn't mind the time to think to herself either.

And when the dismissal bell rang out, Cheerilee still said nothing.

As all the little fillies and colts hurried out the class, the cutie mark crusaders in particular stopped, taking a moment to say goodbye to Miss.Cheerilee, and they found Cheerilee didn't even acknowledge them.

Of course they were worried for their teacher, but they just assumed she'd just been having a bad day, which she was, and then just went about their own days happily. 

But finally, the day was over. Cheerilee could now do what she was waiting for all this time.

She looked ahead for a moment, her cold callous eyes set on one task laid out before her.





First she made her way home.

And as she looked at Eve's hoodie once again, she found her heart ached with pain. But nonetheless she grabbed the hoodie, and then looked down at the letter on the floor grabbing that as well.

As Cheerilee looked over the letter once again, she found her heart couldn't take it. She lowered her hind legs and sat there holding the letter and hoodie to her chest, and began silently weeping to herself. She ran her cheek softly against the hoody, and she wasn't only crying out of her recent realization of how much she cared for Eve as a motherly figure, but just the whole tragedy of her situation as a whole. Cheerilee loved children, she couldn't understand how one so kind, so gentle could be portrayed as a monster in others eyes. That one in particular could be forced to live such an unfortunate existence; and she wanted to take that pain away from Eve, to make her life simple and happy. But once again the baby draconequus had been dealt an unfair hand, and now her fate was uncertain, and the thoughts that streamed through Cheerilee's mind of what may have occurred, only caused her to grieve more, she muttered to herself. "I'm sorry sweetie; I'm so sorry..."

She'd failed, and she felt she should've tried harder. She needed this time to herself, to take this entire situation in.





"Spike, could you go check the kitchen and see if I left my notebook there?" Twilight asked her faithful assistant.

Spike was now back as well. He gave Twilight a thumbs up with a wink "Sure thing Twi, I gotcha." Spike then hurriedly made his way towards the kitchen. 

Twilight was busy packing some of her things, preparing to make a trip for Canterlot. She wore a knapsack and she was also currently at her study, looking over a certain book in particular. It was the same book she pulled out a few days ago, the one relating to draconequis. She flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning over them intently, and as she continued to do so, her expression saddened. She was frustrated, why did she feel so conflicted about what'd occurred? She did what needed to be done. But still; that didn't stop her from feeling wrong, guilty, and it was like a plaque that was slowly overtaking her, these feelings slowly rising as if trying to take her over completely. She didn't want to feel like this, and didn't expect to. She couldn't let these thoughts and feelings get the better of her, she made this choice herself and was willing to bare the burden she felt somepony needed to take, it was a draconequus, and it wasn't exactly murder. Was it?

Twilight's eyes snapped wide as suddenly somepony's hoof patted her shoulder. She turned to regard the pony behind her, and it was none other than Applejack. Rarity was there was well. 

Twilight then looked back down at the book with a silent solemn look, before placing it in her knapsack. 

She had something to discuss with Princess Celestia about all this....

Applejack sighed, giving Twilight a reassuring smile. "L-Listen Sugarcube; I-...I know things might look bad, but hey, look on the bright side, ya got Spike and Apple Bloom out safely, and uhm...." Applejack herself had trouble saying the next part, and the thought of saying it even made her cringe somewhat. But she had to reassure her friend, and hopefully not allow her to fall into some looming depression. "Well...we at least don't have to worry about anypony getting hurt anymore..."

Twilight was silent. She wasn't dumb, she knew Applejack didn't even believe her own words, or at least not fully, but the thought was nice. They all thought she did the wrong thing, and maybe she did, Twilight wasn't sure what to think about all this. But perhaps she was just assuming those things, maybe they all agreed with her and were guilty about it as well. But she'd made a lot of assumptions as well. That moment, it felt so fast and time was so short, in the heat of the moment it felt so right. But she couldn't get the baby draconequus out of her head. That final head shake she gave her, was it one of pleading desperation, or one that was telling Twilight she didn't understand the whole situation? There were still so many questions to what'd exactly occurred in that nightmare, but could she risk giving the draconequus a second chance to send them there? Twilight's thoughts were in disarray as Rarity soon interrupted them.

Rarity spoke softly. "A-Applejack's right darling; don't go about worrying yourself. Either way it's over, and we need to move past this. I'm sure Fluttershy will get over this whole mess soon enough, I can assure you."

Oh that's right. Twilight looked back down at her desk. Fluttershy hated her as well, and that was for certain. Ever since that event occurred, Fluttershy didn't say a word to Twilight, or any of the others in particular. She wouldn't even look her in the eyes or even regard she existed. Everything between the two felt so hollow now, and Twilight wondered if with time, she'd be able to patch up things with the mare. No, things would work out between the two of them, they were friends, and friends make mistakes, even though Twilight didn't consider her decision a mistake, yet, she knew Fluttershy, and Fluttershy and her had been through so much together, she wouldn't truly abandon their friendship over what'd happened right? 

Ah yes; friendship as well. Why did that word seem to hold such a linear meaning for Twilight as well now? Was it truly the way of harmony to vanquish supposed evil? Or to find the bright side on all things? Was it the job of the elements of harmony to cast their judgements upon others; to judge whether they were good or evil and then dispose of that evil if that's what they saw? Or was it their job to always attempt to find a peaceful resolution? But they'd used the elements to destroy Nightmare Moon. They'd used the elements to imprison Discord once more. They sent back a queen with starving subjects. They'd even helped vanquish the king of darkness without the elements. In so many recent cases everything appeared so simple, evil was in such plain-sight that the idea of giving redemption to such characters seemed laughable. So why did this situation feel so different? Why did this little draconequus deserve the benefit of the doubt compared to the others? Because she was young? Because she was weak? 

Because things might have been different?

Twilight disagreed with all of it, but why did she suddenly feel those things should've been considered? Why did she suddenly feel that the risk should've been taken only after it was all over? No; she had to stop thinking these things! She had to accept she did what needed to be done, and what they'd always done! They prevented a possible threat, a lurking evil from placing Equestria in danger! The draconequus was even involved with Nightmare Moon! She deserved what she got! Twilight gritted her teeth angrily telling herself all these things in her head. She couldn't let these conflicting questions overwhelm her, she couldn't let herself fall into a pool of guilt and sorrow. She had to get over this one way or another.

But as Twilight was still lost in her thoughts, Applejack cut in once again. "That's right sugarcube, Fluttershy is just a little upset is all, but I'm sure Rainbow and Pinkie are dealing with it right now. Shucks; I bet they've already convinced her to move on from this whole scenario! Things'll be peachy again in no time Twi, so; don't be getting all down and all."

Rarity nodded to Applejack with a approving smile. "Y-You said it darling! Applejack's right Twilight, just try not to think about it."

Of course that was easy for them to say. 

But just as Twilight was reflecting on all these things, there was a knock at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Rarity's expression brightened up. "See, would you look at that? I'm sure that's Fluttershy and the others right now."

Applejack sighed with relief.

Twilight remained silent as Rarity went on over to open the door.

As Rarity did open the door however, she at first wore an eager smile, but then the color in her face flushed as her expression sunk for the worst. She found she was at a loss for words as she just stood in the open door space regarding the mare in front of her, trying to figure out something to say. Rarity eventually spoke. "C-Cheerilee; why isn't this a surprise."

To this Twilight and Applejack's eyes snapped wide.

Twilight suddenly had a look of paranoia wash over her. She glanced behind her slowly to look at Cheerilee.

Cheerilee wore a friendly, kind expression with her eyes closed. "Hi you all; I'm sorry to bother you. But I've got something from the school that I was hoping you all could help me with if you don't mind. Particularly you Twilight." Cheerilee chuckled as she motioned over to a small bag she had at her side with a smile. "It seems Rumble was a little busy roaming through things outside again and I was hoping you all could identify it for me. I figured it'd be best to get your personal opinion on this Twilight. Since you tend to be knowledgeable about many things."

Twilight was a little skeptical at first, but ultimately felt relieved. As well as Applejack and Rarity. She was worried that Cheerilee was here concerning Eve, but it seems that the letter worked after all, thank goodness. Twilight felt she should've perhaps spent a bit more time making the letter seem more liable, but Cheerilee probably just took it for what it seemed. It's not like she knew the draconequus long, and as long as it sounded as if it were happy when it left, Cheerilee wouldn't really question it right? It's not like she felt personally attached to it, she barely even knew it. Of course that'd be a little too simple to assume as well. Either way; it seemed they were in the clear for now, so Twilight smiled at Cheerilee. "Hey there Cheerilee; of course I'd love to help. Show me what you've got." She could use a quick puzzle to take her mind off this whole mess.

Twilight turned to regard the mare with a delighted smile, sitting.

Cheerilee sighed with relief rolling her eyes and softly chuckled. "Oh thank you so much girls, you won't believe how much this has been bothering me as of late. I'll be sure not to take up too much of your time." Cheerilee then trotted over to Twilight with the bag. Rarity and Applejack looked to one another with a smile before nodding to one another. 

As Cheerilee arrived to Twilight, she lowered her hind legs to sit and then smiled lowering her head towards the zipper of the bag. She smiled as she then slowly began to open it. "Alright, well let's get this over with then shall we?"

Twilight smiled nodding to Cheerilee as she opened the bag. "Alright, well let's see what we've got he-......"

Twilight's eyes widened as she looked into the bag. Her pupils dilated.

A black hoodie and a crumpled letter. Of course....

She then looked back up at Cheerilee with that speechless expression, and found that Cheerilee's expression had suddenly changed as well. Cheerilee stared right back into Twilight's eyes with a cold callous look, seeming devoid of any emotion, and the silence was almost frightening. 

And that was it. 

That was the look Cheerilee wanted to see. That look of recognition. 

Cheerilee then charged Twilight, slamming the violet mare against the edge of her desk, practically strangling her with her hooves. "Twilight Sparkle!.......What've you done!"

Spike then exited from the kitchen breathing heavily. "Whew, guys I finally found the note-...whoa whoa whoa! What the heck is going on!?"

Rarity and Applejack's expressions then sunk as they immediately sprung into action. They hurried over to Twilight and Cheerilee, grabbing Cheerilee and pulling her back away from Twilight.

Twilight gasped for breath as she fell to her side and ran a hoof over her throat with a terrified look. She then looked up at Cheerilee shaking her head. "I-I don't get it Cheerilee, what're you talking about!?"

Cheerilee snapped at the mare. "Where is she Twilight!? What did you say to her!?"

Twilight's eyes widened as she avoided eye contact with Cheerilee, remaining silent.

Cheerilee's expression sunk tragically as she attempted to get back over to Twilight. "She's just a baby! Why're you doing this to her!? Why're you making her go through these things!?"

Twilight kept silent.

Cheerilee shook her head as Rarity and Applejack struggled, getting the erratic mare to the door. "Just give her back to me! All of you! I don't care about the risks! I don't care about what you think is best! Twilight....I beg of you! Just let me give her a life away from all of this nonsense...t-think if it was Spike..." She looked to Rarity "Think about if it was Sweetie Belle...." then to Applejack "Or Applebloom?" Tears filled Cheerilee's eyes. "Why're you all not willing to just take a leap of faith for a child! The world shouldn't be looked at in such a linear way! We should be there for all children of Equestria!" Tears slowly streamed down Cheerilee's face as she was pleading with the mare. "She's not a bad draconequus...she's a sweetheart, and I don't know what she may have done...b-but we all make mistakes, she deserves a mother...she deserves me! Twilight Sparkle; please! Tell me what you've done with her!"

Twilight was at a loss for words, and she looked at Cheerilee as if about to cry herself, but that expression soon melted away as she then peered back to her lower left while on the ground. "I...I don't know what you're talking about Cheerilee..."

Cheerilee's eyes widened once more as she was filled with rage once again. "WHERE IS SHE TWILIGHT!? WHERE IS EVE! TELL ME THIS INSTANT! TWILIGHT SPARKLE!......ANSWER ME!!!!"

Twilight simply remained silent with her solemn expression.

Rarity and Applejack managed to finally get Cheerilee out of the house as once they did so, they hurried back into the library and slammed the door shut behind them, locking it.

Cheerilee burst to her hooves and then slammed against the wooden door angrily, then banging on it with her forehooves as she stood on her hind legs, tears streaming down her face as she did so with an infuriated expression. "What's wrong with all of you!? I know you're good ponies! Why are you allowing such a cruel thing to happen!? Why won't you just let me take care of her!?" Then Cheerilee considered the possibilities, and her heart ached at the thought of what might've occurred. "Twilight, Applejack, Rarity! Please!" Cheerilee's rage soon subsided as she slowly slid to the ground, looking at the dirt. "Don't force me to move on from this.....don't force me into this position...I have to at least know...p-please..."

There was only silence.

"PLEASE!" She stated pleadingly.

And still, there was only silence.

Cheerilee stood to her hooves; and already she noticed she was causing quite a commotion in the small town. Ponies all around were looking at her, regarding the mare with worried looks. Cheerilee didn't care, she sluggishly made her way away from Golden Oaks Library, and down the path that led through the middle of town with her head lowered, and her eyes closed. It was sunset, and the day was basically over, but there was at least one place she hoped to check. And even if she found nothing, she just wanted to visit that place for the moment. 





Twilight was trembling still with that terrified expression. She couldn't do this, she couldn't deal with that.

She looked as if she'd been broken, wide eyed, and left utterly speechless. As she was on the ground, she simply peered at the ground as she looked as if she were about to lose her mind. She slowly raised her forehooves to her head as she gripped at her mane and her eyes widened, her pupils were like small dots quivering in the center and tears filled her eyes. Twilight let off a piercing scream as she tore at her mane. 

Applejack, Rarity, and Spike looked at Twilight with horrified expressions.





Pinkie and Rainbow as said by Applejack and Rarity, were outside Fluttershy's home.

Rainbow called up to the second floor. "Come out already Fluttershy! Jeez; you can't stay cooped up in there forever! Fluttershy!? I know you can hear me in there! We have to go to Canterlot with Twilight and the others. You also need to go pick up Discord, what're you even doing in there?" Rainbow sighed heavily as she fluttered up to the second level and attempted to look through one of the windows. But the windows were all covered. She then joined Pinkie back on the ground as she looked to the pink mare, shaking her head with a disappointed look.

Pinkie then smiled looking up at Fluttershy's home. "F-Fluttershy! Come on, let me put a smile on that face!"

Nopony replied to either of them.

Pinkie and Rainbow sighed heavily as they looked to the ground. 

Meanwhile Fluttershy was in her home, locking herself away as she tended to something private. 

Back at the ruins of everfree they'd simply left Eve laying against one of the stone pillars, alone and unattended. To them that was the end of things, there'd be no point in going back. But not to Fluttershy, as of recent, she did indeed go back, and not only that, but she'd brought the baby draconequus back home with her. Of course she kept this news to herself, and to them, she was simply shutting herself away in her home. And perhaps she was. Although she wasn't solely responsible for what'd happened, Fluttershy felt just as guilty if not more about the situation. 

The pale yellow mare was upstairs in a dark room with an exhausted look. It looked as if she hadn't gotten any real sleep ever since the nightmare scenario, thick crescent bags hung beneath her eyes. She sat at a bedside, and simply stared at the baby draconequus practically lay there in a vegetative state. She wanted her to wake up, she begged her to, this couldn't have been the answer, and this certainly wasn't closure to the mare. To Fluttershy; there had to be a better ending to things than this. She couldn't accept that this was how this episode of their lives would conclude. 

And as the mare sat there in melancholy, her eyes widened. Maybe there was one, one who'd be able to help, and at the same time, one who held a neutral perspective about almost everything. One who'd be able to keep this little one safe, away from all the bias and protocols. Even if the baby draconequus was practically brain dead, Fluttershy knew nothing of the world of the dream, but perhaps this one did, and perhaps there was a sliver of redemption for all of them.

Yes; to the mare, there had to be something she could do besides tend to comatose draconequus.

Fluttershy ran her hoof through Eve's mane as she laid there in the bed, and she smiled affectionately at the creature.





Cheerilee had made her way to the open fields near Ponyville, the same fields where her and Eve sat and looked at the stars and she'd decided on her name.

The mare felt drained, and she took a long glance around the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the baby draconequus somewhere, she was at the point of desperation. And to Cheerilee, it was the not knowing that hurt the most.

She recalled the wish she made on the shooting star that day. That wish seemed so absent now. 

She simply sat there, looking at the ground with a saddened expression. 

She felt there truly was nothing at this point.