She wanted to talk. She couldn't. Her mouth opened and closed over and over, like she was a puppet. Her vocal chords didn't seem to be working. 

Why weren't they working?

You make me happy when skies are grey.

"What about... Beryll?" Someone asked, directing it towards Amber. Slowly, everyone turned towards the girl, who was trembling, eyes blank and distant. 

"What about her?" Amber's tone was casual. Too casual.

Why won't she say anything? Why won't she tell them how much she cares? All the things told to Beryll in the middle of the night- did they mean nothing now?

Beryll could feel something dripping off her chin. Tears?

Why was she crying?

Why couldn't she stop?

Slowly, Beryll turned her head to watch Amber walk towards her. It was the first thing she'd done since Amber told them to show she was even still there. She was confused. Amber, she thought. What's going on? Help me, Amber, I don't understand. 

Amber stood in front of her now, looking up at Beryll. The tears were flowing fast now, sliding rapidly down her cheeks. Amber reached up and wiped them away with all the gentleness she'd ever had towards Beryll, but the affection was gone. 

Why wasn't it there anymore?

You'll never know, dearhow much I love you.

Still unable to speak, Beryll's chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. 

"What's wrong with her?" 

Amber shrugged, turning her face back to Beryll. She only had to lower her gaze for Beryll to lean down, desperate to make eye contact. Slowly, cautiously, Beryll shook her head.

"I think she's in shock. You all know how she can't think badly of anyone. It was cute at first, but I think she's far, far too naive." 

Beryll was sinking down, on her knees now, staring up at Amber like a man staring up at the surgeons fighting to save him. 

"Aren't you, Ber? You're too dumb for your own good." She ruffled Beryll's hair like she was a pet- nothing more than a cute little toy. Beryll nodded weakly. 

"It's a shame you really love me. I don't know what to do with you now." 

Amber, what are you saying? What do you mean? I don't understand I don't get it amber please help me whats going on stop saying things like that i need your help whats happening i dont know help help help help help i dont like this make it stop amber please help me

Her thoughts were too loud. She didn't want to think anymore. 

Why was she still crying? 

"Well, I guess you all have to execute me now, don't you? I do follow my own rules." She tossed a button at the others, ignoring the ones who came to Beryll's side. Leaning down, she pressed a fleeting kiss to Beryll's cheek.

"If only you weren't so sweet. Things would've turned out better for you." 

Then Beryll was being dragged away and now she was thinking again and where was Amber going what was going on let go let go let GO.

"Let GO of me!" She screeched, fighting those who were holding her. "Miss Amber, stop! Come back! Stop it!" She thrashed, kicking and screaming and crying and they would NOT take Amber away.

Suddenly, everyone went silent as they watched.

Beryll couldn't think anymore.

Amber was gone.

They took her away.

She let out an anguished wail, lashing out with more force. Those holding her back let go and she fell to the floor, sobbing and shaking. She hadn't even left anything behind. She didn't even say goodbye.