"I know what you're doing. But look, between you and me… it's not going to work."
Pris said one day, as she saw Ly Ly's smirk.
Ly Ly acted as if she hadn't heard, as if she hadn't paid attention to a single word.
I have everything 'under control'… Ly Ly seemed to say.
And at the same time, she continued to play… her role…
That is… Someone, who was just outwardly cold, but whom, inwardly, had a heart of gold…?!
___
Pris Ungardétu believed that she noticed a lot.
And at the same time, she had never forgot.
When she was young, she had learned to be strong.
Paid the price for choosing wrong…
This was why, whenever someone came along… who exhibited the same character… as she had when she was younger…
The strength and defiance in those eyes… that seemed to belie an inner hunger…
Part of her wanted to tell her that it was okay.
That the world didn't always have to be such a lonely place ✨…
___
Initially, Pris Ungardétu hadn't much cared.
Exactly how Ly Ly might fare.
But then…
There had been a surprising show of… compassion.
That girl… Pris had seen Ly Ly quietly give up some of her rations… ?!
To another person in need…!!!
And this, along with a bunch of other seemingly surreptitious, innocuous good deeds…
Had slowly, but surely, made Pris believe… that Ly Ly was someone… regardless of what she may or may not have done - regardless of what was going on under the hood, that she was someone at least capable of doing some… good!?
___
"I know what you're doing. But look, between you and me… it's not going to work."
At last…
Ly Ly had done her best to seem outwardly aloof, whilst at the same time surreptitiously giving proof…
That she was actually someone that selflessly cared, as if it was life that had forced her to act as though she was never scared.
Why ask for help, if it would never come?
And at the same time she… wanted, desperately needed help… from Someone…
___
A seemingly tough outer shell that masked vulnerability…
A role that truly required sensitivity…
___
This was the Perception that Ly Ly wanted to convey, and slowly but surely… Reality would obey ✨
___
Pris continues on with what she wants to say…
"…Just know that there's always help if you need it. Make sure you get the right support…"
Well. It was just a… kind thought.
That was all.
Ly Ly lets her shoulders shake a little, even as she responds - standing tall.
"…Thanks ✨"
A nod. A 'mutual understanding', no need to ask why.
Her eyes are grateful, yet wary, as if not daring to pry…
Then Ly Ly makes as if to 'summon up her courage'.
"Well, by the by, if there's any work to be done… I-I'm happy to try ✨"
___
Pris' eyes softened. "…Let's see what's available…"
And slowly but surely, Ly Ly's position became increasingly stable…
That afternoon, her role and privileges were upgraded, and her original maximum security cell was traded… for one that would allow her to 'participate more' - situated on a much nicer floor…
___
If she was going to stay, Ly Ly figured as she now smiled at Pris, [who now nodded approvingly back at this], she may as well do it this way - in comfort - before she made Fatteus pay.