[no matter what. that's all she's telling herself. no matter what memories Clover is getting, no matter what memories Lina gets, no matter what happens with all of them. she's spent all of her life that's mattered loving her sisters. she would and will do anything for them to help them smile, to let them be happy. it's the least she can do in return for abandoning them like she did.]

We will. We'll still have all that. No matter what happens.

[it's almost a mantra at this point, and she's just glad Clover can't hear her thoughts because it's the only thing keeping Lina grounded right now. even though they're underwater. she's practically a broken record when she next speaks, but she can't think of many other words.]

I won't make you tell me anything about her if you don't want to. But you're never going to become her. You're always going to be my sister, and I'm always going to love you. You don't have to be scared.

[her hands, open and caring and tender, press against Clover's back.]