Stone Circle The worlds you keep erasing

I can't because... She paused, swallowing. She dearly hoped their family's name wasn't as infamous as she believed, that a Melonii hadn't stolen Blondine's sight or hurt her or her family in any way. I'm a Melonii. Family is more like a religion to me - to them - than it is actually supporting each other. She informed. Blondine didn't have to look at her to hear that she was somber about it.

She took her seat next to the border, her ears perking up at what the woman said next. She shook her head, but realized just in time that that was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. I can't - the only way to get rid of your last name is... marriage. That's what Mother always said. And Mother was never wrong, even when she really was wrong. As much as I appreciate the offer, I-I can't. She didn't sound confused or guilty, but more like she was telling her own truth. She really believed what her parents had told her about the world, about life. She'd only just escaped their grasp, she had so much to learn. The offer was a good one, but it was too early in her emotional development to accept such a gift.