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Audrey's second day in the Rose Bowers
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Sure enough, it's Lily, holding one of the flowers she's named for in cupped hands. She looks up at Audrey. 

There's a frozen moment.

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She could just step in and kiss her, but what would that do to the blossom she's holding? 

"Lily," she starts. What to say. "I'm sorry." Good, for what? "For pushing too much. Do you still want that date...?"

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Lily gently sets the blossom down at the base of a sculpture of a bird taking wing. 

"There's no need. Shall we walk the gardens?"

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"... Let's."

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Lily offers a hand.

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Audrey takes it.

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They walk. There are more statues, impressionistic and abstract. There are occasional patches of lilies. 

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Audrey waits for Lily to speak first.

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"So," says Lily. "Is this a date?"

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"It is if you want it to be."

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"A first date. How exciting! I was worried the Bowers wouldn't find anyone at all for me, but..."

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"Assuming a little there, aren't you?"

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"I suppose so. It's not like this place is perfect." She looks away. "I..."

She stops by a statue of a kneeling woman gathering a bouquet. "... what would you like to know about me?"

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"... what do you think of the statues?"

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"Oh, I'm sure they're all terribly symbolic. But I want to focus on you. On... what might be."

She sighs. 

"... What do you do for a living?"

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"... I'm a civil servant on Arcbright. Accident response, that kind of thing. I came here through my job."

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"OTC middle manager. Same."

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"Do you like it here?"

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"It's a little lonely. But then I've always been a lonely person. Do you have friends?"

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"Before the Bowers? No. But now I do. Two friends, at least while I'm here." 

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"I'd like to meet them sometime. You have good taste." The corners of her lips twitch up.

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"You've been an excellent decision so far. A little cold, but..."

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"I try not to be, but... I'm naturally distant. I hide behind my strap a little, it gives me confidence. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm shy."

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"Me too. The Bowers has helped immensely."

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"I hope it'll do the same for me."

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