"I also cannot live without you. So we have to work together from now on. I won't let you handle this yourself."
Something inside Alice crumbled. Her lips curved into a sad, broken smile as she shook her head softly.
"Since when did you become this bold?"
Paula let out a shaky laugh, cracked and uneven, but real.
Alice reached out finally, her hand trembling as it cupped Paula's tear-streaked cheek. She sighed, her thumb brushing gently across her skin.
"Thank you, Paula. I don't... I don't know what I'd do without you." Alice said while blinking back tears.
"It's okay. I am fine. For real." Paula smiled at her. For some reason, it looked forced and genuine at the same time.
That was just... Paula.
Alice still did not know what she had done to deserve her.
"Alright," Alice murmured, facing ahead. "We need to take care of you. I'll put you in a hotel for now. Just to breathe. Then I'll think of something."
Paula nodded weakly, relief softening her features.
