The morning came in grey and quiet.
Clara was up before the light had fully settled. She dressed carefully. Nothing loud, nothing that would draw attention to anything other than what she needed them to see. A simple, tasteful outfit. The kind a woman wore when she was trying to hold herself together on her wedding day despite everything.
She studied herself in the mirror for a moment.
Then she called for Lena.
Lena appeared in the doorway already looking like she hadn't slept. She hadn't, really.
"Get the box." Clara said.
Lena stood there for a moment, not making a move.
"Lena?" Clara called out. Lena exhaled sharply then nodded and walked out of the room, her shoulders sagging with resignation.
With a few minutes, Lena had reappeared with the makeup box.
