Franzi woke up and walked herself over to the window. She was wrapped in a blanket and she just sat down staring out into the world. Franzi watched a man leaving a tip on a table, a student carrying his books, and looked at the staircase where she used to think. It felt as though it had been years since she'd done any of this.

Paula woke up and found herself alone in bed. She looked in the room and didn't see Franzi. Paula got out of bed and put on her dressing gown. She went right to the front room and saw Franzi sitting on the couch by the window. It was lovely how the morning sunlight made Franzi sparkle. Paula stood away for 1 minute in silence and then she gently said, 'I love you.'

Franzi heard Paula's voice and looked over to see Paula. Then she looked back at the world. 'I love you.' Franzi got up from the couch in her blanket, walked over to Paula, and just stood body-to-body as Paula hugged Franzi and said for the third time, 'I love you, Franzi.'

Paula fixed them a nice breakfast of eggs, chipotle peppers, and croissants. She didn't bother with pleasantries or tradition so she and Franzi ate on the floor.

Paula asked, 'Is this because of what I said yesterday; about The Fasan and going back to work?'

Franzi answered, 'No. Not entirely.' Then she said, 'I just...I think I just need some time to..to figure out what's next.'

Paula understood and said, 'Right.'

Franzi's studies for the next week were good. Maike brought Franzi's assignments to the flatshare and told Franzi that there was no rush and no pressure. Paula's work progressed and she was very fine with Franzi living and learning at home. Most of Franzi's work at home was just getting ready for Pride and turning in her school assignments. It did Franzi good being at home without people hassling her over anything. But Franzi felt that the sooner she got out of her palace, and back into the real world, the sooner she could get on with her life.

As they got ready for the Pride festival, Paula saw some vendors spitting out fire like they were at a Chinese dragon parade.

Paula was wearing an aquamarine shirt with yellow doves on the sleeves. Franzi was looking through a brochure for Pride events and charity events being hosted all day.

Paula asked, 'So, what can we expect?'

Franzi said, 'There's the parade itself all day, marketers with clothing and apparels, game booths, charity kissing booths, and different vendors.'

Paula said, 'Sounds like a regular festival without the carrousel and bumper cars.'

Franzi said, 'Oh no. They are placed outside the city.' When Paula got done getting suited up, she asked 'How do I look?'

Franzi answered, 'Tres bien.'

Paula took Franzi's hand and said, 'Okay. Are you ready?'

Franzi answered, 'I'm ready. Are you?'

Paula answered, 'Ready.' Then Franzi said, 'Okay. Let's go.'

Paula and Franzi just went around everything and saw what Pride was about for many people. For some, their sexuality wasn't about being politically correct or subversive. Paula wasn't there to do research into the gay and lesbian community. She wasn't even there to find out what gay pride meant for her. She just knew that she was with Franzi and that's all there was to say. When they saw a float reading "Say No to #4" Paula asked what it meant. The vendor, Marcus, was a member of GLAAD International and was happy to answer any questions.

Marcus said, 'It means you oppose the banning of Gay and Lesbian marriages.'

Paula said, 'But who said there's a ban on it? We're not in the U.S.'

Marcus replied, 'True. And it's because of us, and GLAAD America, that states like California, New York, and Vermont have changed their ways. Even though they've changed a little, we still need to keep the message going: "Love is what love is and it does what it does".'

Paula said, 'Wow. That's a hell of a message to send over the Atlantic.'

Marcus said, 'Thank you. It's always nice to hear good things from the police.'

Paula said, 'I'm not here as a constable. I'm here for her' and pointed at Franzi.

Marcus asked, 'Mmmm, pretty. Is she your partner?'

Paula answered, 'We're in a relationship but we don't use labels. As a matter of fact, I don't even know what the labels are. What about you; is your "partner" here?'

Marcus answered, 'No. But my wife is.' It shocked Paula to find a straight man at a Pride festival. Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" was playing while Paula got more in depth with Marcus.

Paula asked, 'You're telling me that you, a straight man, are married, and that your wife and you support gay rights?'

Marcus responded, 'Is that so hard to believe? There's no rule that says you have to be gay to support their rights.'

Paula said, 'Yeah. But even vegetarians don't eat meat while they support animal rights.'

Marcus agreed, 'True. But once again, there's no rule that says you have to be LGBT to fight for R E S P E C T.'

While Paula was talking, Franzi was at a shirt stand and showed off the "She's With Me" t-shirt she bought. She didn't know but Daniel was right behind her.

Daniel said, 'You might like the light blue one. It makes your eyes prettier.' Franzi turned around, saw Daniel standing there, and hugged him with all her might. 'Daniel! I am so glad you could be here.'

Daniel asked, 'You didn't think I'd miss out on supporting your and Paula's first Pride?'

Franzi called, 'Paula? Paula, come here!'

Daniel was wearing an LGBT Free 4 Life t-shirt in support of Pride rights. Paula approached Franzi and Daniel and she was surprised by his shirt. She raised her left eyebrow and asked, 'Daniel? Is there something you'd care to tell me?'

Daniel joked and said, 'Yes. I'm a lesbian and I am 43 years old.'