(Mintaka)
I bathe Amaia, washing every inch of her skin using soap and water. Once I have removed every trace of our fluids from her body, I wrap her and myself in towels and carry her outside, so Ali can shower.
She is almost half asleep while I sit her on the edge of her bed. Taking the towel I gently dry her hair.
"I want… to sleep," she says in a drowsy murmur, her eyes half closed.
"Just let me put you in your nightware." I smile at her cuteness.
She has her cheek pressed into my belly with her eyes shut completely. Even her previously overexcited wings seem to have tired themselves out and have folded around her shoulders like flower buds.
Gently, I pat them and they melt under my touch.
"I will see you again," I affectionately tell them. She lifts her head and watches me with sleepy, tired eyes.
Picking up her necklace, I reluctantly place it around her neck, hiding away her true self, even from us.
