"I did?"

Pearl's eyes go wide and startled; then, with a small sigh, she lets herself melt wholeheartedly into Rose's embrace, turning her face hesitantly upwards to receive the kisses. Nothing has ever felt so safe and so right to her as being enfolded in Rose's arms, swallowed up by her affection. After the confusing tension of the past few minutes, she could almost cry for relief. Maybe a tear even escapes. Or two.