A L I C EÂ Â L O N G B O T T O M :
It was as if Aliceâs heart let out a sigh of relief when her friend finally arrived. There was a peace between them, an understanding that only sisters could share. Although not by blood, Greta and Edgar were family - they always would be. So their presence, either one, separate or together, noticably comforted Alice. There were no reservations, no expectations - just nice company in a cool, moonlit park.
âHmmm,â Alice hummed aloud, as if lost deep in thought. âIâll let it sldie this time, but only because I like you.â She grinned - a genuine one, not the facade it seemed everyone was wearing these days. âYou have no idea how great it is to see you, Greta. It feels like itâs been weeks, so catch me up. HowâsâŠwell, everything.â
Grin sparked up on her features once more as she watched her friend pretend to mull her bargain over. With a shake of her own head it was her turn to playfully feign an emotion, this time it was disbelief. âLetting it slide? Donât tell me youâre getting soft on me, Longbottom.â Tone was light and filled with something close to relief when being around Alice always made her relax. She hadnât realised how tightly wound sheâd been feeling until she felt some of the tension leave her as they spoke.Â
âYou too, itâs been too long.â Smile was warm and unwavering as she spoke, simply enjoying the ease that came with the company of her friend. âMostly good. Workâs calmed down a bit and Edgar and I are doing well.â Thereâs a pause as she tried to work out what to say next, eventually settling on vague honesty. âBut, we have some news.â












