"Neither of you answered your phones," she said, with a heavy exhale. "Way to scare me."
Nora laughed softly and wiggled her fingers at her. "I'm sorry."
Anita rushed Nora in a hug, pressing her head to her chest as she met my gaze. I nodded and rubbed her back in a firm circle. Nora smiled under Anita's affection, and she sat down beside us when they parted.
"Sorry. We were talking—also, where did you get the key to my house?" I asked, chuckling a bit.
"They're Nora's." Anita held up the key ring strung with a small piece of knotted purple rope that I recognized from my playroom. "I'm a great guesser. Only five keys and picked the right one on the first try."
Nora smiled and accepted them back when Anita handed them to her. "Thanks."
"Where'd you get that rope?" I cocked a brow at her, and her smile broadened.
"Nicked it from your totes the day we were unpacking things in your playroom together," she said, brushing her thumb over the rope fondly. "I like how it feels."
"It's a special kind of rope," I told her, glancing between her and Anita. "For Shibari."
"I know," she said, her gaze flickering to Anita's then. "You look tired, Neets."
"I am." Despite her answer, Anita smiled and cupped Nora's hand in hers when she reached for her. "But you look much better today."
"I feel better. Caroline found my bracelet, too." She showed her and Anita's smile broadened.
"The bracelet of so much worry." Anita caressed it gently, then patted Nora's hand. "I'm glad you found it."
"Me too." With Anita's presence combined with mine, Nora lay against me as relaxation seemed to wrap around her for the time being. She stroked my neck and chest with the tips of her fingers while we sat quietly together.
Anita leaned back on the sofa, her legs crossed though she sat unusually close to us. Nora held her hand to Anita, and she took it, their fingers lacing together in a gentle squeeze. The silence we shared wasn't quiet at all. My mind flowed over with thoughts, and their eyes told me they weren't far behind. I rubbed Nora's back in soft circles, and she closed her eyes after a few minutes, dozing off tucked close between us.
As soon as Nora's consciousness faded, tears trickled down Anita's cheeks. She didn't look at me, only continued to hold Nora's hand while she slept. I said nothing and wrapped my arm around Anita's shoulders just the same. She covered her face, hiding against my shoulder, and cried without making a sound.