The touch surprises her. Impulsively, she reaches up to briefly lay her hand over Marie's, meeting the other woman's sad smile with a more authentic expression. She was once in Marie's place -- alone, bereaved, lost without a purpose. If Marie can't find solace in her words, then she can only hope that one of the redhead's friends will step in and bolster her spirits.

It's not Adia's place. Even if she feels responsible.

"Bye," she echoes softly, watching Marie leave.

In a moment, Caspar will come down the stairs, pretending to be casual but failing miserably, and join her company. He'll put his arms around her and tell her that it's for the best that Marie is out of their lives, and she'll agree.

But for now, she can't help but wish the conversation had gone differently.