Tina had cried in Bette’s arms for a long time after that. Bette wondered where Jesse was, certainly as the morning that had faded into the afternoon became the early evening. The brunette had moved them to the couch, so they could sit more comfortably. She didn’t know if she should feel bad for enjoying ms Kennard’s clutching arms, for feeling her body against hers, even tough it was in such distress.

After a while, ms Kennard had fallen asleep. Bette had to oblige herself to let go of the woman she regarded as the love of her life. She looked out of the window. The sky wasn’t completely dark yet, but it was getting there. It was that time between light and dark, where the day slowly seemed to disappear, where the blackness was eating away the soft blue. Bette had always found it fascinating to watch. 

She looked at the clock and was surprised about how early it still was. Of course, with the dark coming in, you always expect it to be really late at night. She left Tina in the couch and went out. She was thankful for the chance she had had of going to the house she grew up in to pick up some stuff, including the files on her computer. This was her favourite coat in winter, especially as it was so warm and comfy. She didn’t know the neighbourhood very well, but figured that a bakery could never be far away.

The corners of her mouth tugged upwards as she saw a sign above a store signifying Peter’s Bakery after having only walked for about two minutes. Stepping inside gave her a strange feeling. This was possibly the bakery Tina went to on Sunday mornings, the guy behind the counter possibly knew the gorgeous blonde, possibly made some small talk to her every week. She tried to get rid of the feeling as soon as she imagined that Jesse probably came here too if Tina did.

On the way back, she really seemed to sense everything more deeply. The bakery bag in her hand, the chill outside, the giant trees in the park she passed. There were almost no people and she felt strangely grateful for the opportunity of comforting Tina.