Finally...

Angela backs towards the window while Sue walks forward as well, scalpel in hand.

*

Hours later, Ashley is asleep with Sue holding her close to her chest, rocking her as she sleeps.

She doesn't even notice when Tanya comes into the room, her face wet with tears, tears of mixed feelings.

Sadness and Happiness at the same time.

Tanya sits beside her and touches Sue's shoulder ever so slightly. "You know it is not your fault right? Those bastards must have known one way or the other that whatever happened was a result of their own choices."

Sue tries to smile. "It's not that actually but thanks for being here with me..." Sue glances at Ashley as the girl snuggles closer to her, putting her head on her inner arms. Sue turns to Tanya and smiles appreciatively. "You know, I never had the opportunity to adequately thank you for what you did even after you got beaten while doing it. I really owe you a lot."

Tanya smiles widely. "You don't need to thank me. It's what any human would have done,