“I can see?” he said uncertainly, stretching out his hands, and taking Sioni’s hands in his own.

She stared up at him, smiling a bit, stroking the back of his hands rhythmically with her thumb, hoping that he was comforted by her actions.

Alfred scrutinized her carefully, and noticed the tears glistening on her face. He reached out a softly brushed them away, a suspicion looming in his mind.

Then, he fingered a lock of her hair, studying the tint and hue of auburn in the sun.

“What are you doing?” she asked, looking at him curiously.

“Healing powers,” he murmured, smiling brightly now. Sioni directed her gaze to him, perplexed.

“What?” she inquired, even more stumped.

“Phoenix tears have healing powers,” Alfred commented.

Sioni felt the day getting brighter. It was slow at first, but the faint light of a good day was there, she decided.