Ankyra Sound Once you had a hook and ladder up into the headless night

Raleska reassured her and Sugar drew in a deep breath before replying, "Aye," and pausing. Should she elaborate or just leave it at that? She supposed she owed the woman an explanation for her off-the-wall suggestion. "They were my parents. They passed away recently."

Swallowing, she looked away toward the ocean, her own thoughtless words stirring up all sorts of forlorn feelings. She wanted to excuse herself but didn't want to just dip out on Raleska. Besides, she'd come here to escape loneliness, so it made no sense to retreat back into solitude.

"What about you?" she wondered suddenly, voice soft. "Do you have family?" Well, of course she did, though Sugar wondered if they were still part of her life. Perhaps they were back at Rusalka. Maybe they included the white male who'd just stopped by and left just as quickly.