Page 270 of Bitter’s Sweet

“Hi,” she says.

“Hi.”

For a second, neither of us moves.

Then Sweet walks away.

That is it.

I consider it progress.

On the second day, Mercy lets Sweet work on Raven.

Not practice wax.

Raven.

The real thing.

I only know because I walk through the prep hall and see the door open.

Sweet stands beside his rider’s coffin wearing gloves and her black apron. Mercy is near her shoulder. Junie works carefully on Raven’s hair while Sweet blends color along his temple where time and preservation changed his skin.

Her hands are steady.

Mercy says something.

Sweet smiles.

Proud.

Not because of me.

That is the best thing I have seen in days.

I keep walking before she notices me watching.

Later, Mercy corners me beside the hearse garage.

“She’s good.”

“I know.”

“No, you don't.”

I look at her.

Mercy's expression softens despite herself.

“She has talent. Real talent. I offered her a permanent place in the program if she wants it.”

My chest fills before I can stop it.

“She say yes?”

“She said she's thinking.”

That scares me.