she’d watched, attentive to the conversation from fairly close-by. chu-e truly was an idealist. sadly, he didn’t seem to be long for this world. when the underboss fell to the floor, she was faced with a decision she found surprisingly difficult. balder rose from the table, and she fully expected him to run. she decided she’d let him. after, she could attend to chu-e.

however, something very unexpected happened. he called for help. from the shadows, her eyes narrowed in confusion. so selfless. kind; and now, she realized, foolish.

having taken too long to make up her mind, she missed her window. after sobbing pitifully on the floor, chu-e had positioned himself against balder. he would be alright.

for now, she stayed in the shadows.

Balder Schwartz Chu-e Choi

☉