Franzi's studies were improving with no special attention or sympathy votes. Paula got the mail and saw a flyer for the Pride festival next week. She talked to Franzi about them attending together. Paula wasn't sure about going at all because she didn't want any of her colleagues to give her a hard time about who she was with. But she also didn't want to be defined as a lesbian when all she was was a woman in love with another woman.

A year and so ago, the furthest thing from Paula's mind was being with another woman. Now she was being asked to attend Pride with Franzi.

Paula asked, 'What the hell?'

Franzi asked, 'Really?'

Paula answered, 'Really. I'll put in for the day off and we'll spend it together.'

Franzi complied, 'Okay. Let's go.'

Paula said, 'Yeah.'

The next day at work, Paula asked the Shift Captain for the day off but she didn't say what for. She was 2 days before the request deadline. The shift change was approved and signed by Paula and another officer. She got Monday off and there were no questions.

Paula said, 'Thank you, sir.'

Paula's supervisor was pleased with how she was performing her duties. Her attendance was prompt and her attitude was strong; something that was demanded of all her colleagues.

Willis asked, 'Miss Rapf. Are you satisfied with your station here?'

Paula answered, 'A little bit. It's nice to be back around familiar faces and surroundings.'

Willis asked, 'So you have no disappointments; no doubts?'

Paula said, 'Not at the moment, sir. Why?'

Willis said, 'Miss Rapf, I've heard a great many things about you. Your colleagues have come to respect you.'

Paula said, 'Thank you, sir. I'd like to think I've earned their respect.'

Willis said, 'It appears as though you have.' After stamping Paula's file "Satisfactory". Willis said, 'Dismissed.' Paula stood at attention and turned around properly. For the time being, Paula's life was just simple working and taking care of Franzi.

Franzi got the mail for the flatshare. She had to go by John and Philip's place to get Paula's mail. She went when they weren't there because she was sure they hated her. When Franzi got back to the flatshare, she went right to a package addressed to her. Inside the wrapping was a letter written by her uncle, Thomas. Whatever he had to say was very powerful. Paula knocked at the door and made Franzi jump out of her skin.

Franzi asked, 'Who is it?'

Paula answered, 'It's Paula. Can I come in?'

Franzi hid the letter and the package and let Paula in. They both talked about what their days were like and compared notes. Paula was happy that Franzi got to see some of her friends from school.

Paula asked, 'And how are things from school?'

Franzi said, 'Crazy. So much work it's enough to make my brain bleed.'

Paula commented, 'Sounds like you picked a good time for a sabbatical.'

Franzi said, 'Yeah. Well, I talked on the phone with Leroy. He told me that he'd bring my assignments here so I can work from home.'

Paula asked, 'Who's Leroy?'

Franzi answered, 'He's the Prefect for our section. It's his job to know this and that about him and her. But how was your day at work?'

Paula said, 'It was nice. I'm back on full duty and there's no talk about The Fasan.'

Franzi interrupted, 'Grr, don't. I don't want to know about that place or the case.' But this did bring a flashback to Franzi's mind. This made her remember the exact moment of the explosion.

Paula said, 'What about Daniel and Mocca? Have you thought about going back to Mocca?'

Franzi answered, 'A little.' Then Franzi looked at one of her pictures on the table and said, 'But I think I need to get in better shape before I go back to work. Sort of like a supergirl instead of a recovering junkie. I just don't want to let Daniel down again.'

Paula held Franzi from behind and said, 'Don't worry. You'll do fine. Just give yourself some time.'

Franzi asked, 'So what do you feel like for dinner?'

Paula and Franzi sat down to a Tofu Caesar Salad. Paula listened while Franzi talked about the rest of her day. Things went steady and there was almost no mention of the fire, let alone Franzi being involved. When their dinner and Cuban coffees were finished, Paula and Franzi picked Savage Garden's "Truly Madly Deeply" to listen to. When the lyrics said "We're surrounded by the comfort and protection of the highest power", they both knew it was referring to God.

When the lyrics said, "I wanna stand with you on a mountain. I wanna bathe with you in the sea. I wanna lay like this forever until the sky falls down on me", Paula and Franzi were lying in bed together.