Chapter 3: Cherry

The gentle peace drenched the dry summer air, and the birds chirped like they were all singing songs of fairytales. The sun gleamed down in the direction towards their air-conditioned living room, its ceiling lights turned off as the shine from that very star was plentiful. The calm afternoon was spent with just them in their own apartment, minding their own business, yet… still knowing their loving presence was nearby.

Anna, clean and refresh from the shower, had come out of the bathroom. Her damp auburn hair, slowly dried with a pink towel, shimmered from the light once she had stepped into the living room. She leered in awe at the person standing in the balcony, those long bare legs gifted with appreciation from her turquoise eyes.

The weekend was often spent with them relaxing together, going on dates that, in the end, would leave them with satisfied exhaustion. Rarely would they stay home. But that day, they decided that staying home and tending to chores in the most laziest form would be their perfect date.

It was a perfect date. The most excellent of them all.

It was barely their first year together, having to have moved in just a few weeks ago. There were still boxes laid on the corner that neither of them had the temperament to tend to. Often, they would work together, and it would be their time spent with each other.

Anna felt at home, being here with her, at least. After the death of her parents, she had found nobody… but Elsa had found her. Of course, every perfect relationship would have the rockiest start, but every moment together, she cherished it all with great pleasure.

Moving in, she felt that the apartment was too big. Almost like a loft. But the blonde said this wasn't a loft. The words were almost laughable, but Anna was obligated to trust it. Despite their playful banter, she grew into enjoying the space - the extreme modernity and simplicity it came along with it. Her girlfriend always enjoyed that. Simple. Modern. Clean. It was no wonder that she was an architectural designer.

And life was perfect. Anna had never felt such… happiness coursing through her like a shot of stimulant. She loved how sophisticated her lover could be, and a deep part of her had quickly fallen in love with her playful side. Her nice side. Her… well, she could say, her girlfriend was perfectly messy sometimes. And that was what she was staring at, at the moment.

In deep silence, she was still none but in complete wonderment, as she watched the blonde woman - simply dressed in an oversized white blouse, collar draped over one bare shoulder, and nothing more - sway her hips from one side to the other in repetition. Her body was outlined and drawn in the clearest, most glorious way as the sun seeped through the thin cloth of her shirt. Her slender legs gently caressed one another, and her long fingers carrying a scissor carefully continued snipping away at her dozen colorful roses and prickly vines wildly wrapped around their black wooden trellis.

Smiling, Anna strode to the kitchen, rummaging through the fridge for a snack. A glass bowl of cherries finally found themselves in her hands, and she found herself just behind her girlfriend. The wind, while gentle and smooth, felt refreshing as she noted the way those blonde fringes waltz along as well.

Taking a bite of her cherry, she looked over her girlfriend's shoulder in curiosity. Her gentle face… though, concentrated, looked lovely. Just as lovely as her favorite roses she was trimming. Those inviting lips hummed along to the music she was listening to, letting her earphones shut the world out.

She chuckled to herself, cherry between her teeth, as she watched for a little bit more. It was cute that her girlfriend couldn't even notice her standing behind her, as distracted as she was. But this wasn't what she came here for.

As careful as she could be, she pulled one side of the earphone and placed them over her own ear. She hummed, head swaying, and her girlfriend had slowly turned over to her shoulder. Curious blue eyes met with the amusement and fun that were Anna's teal eyes. "I can see my baby swingin', his Parliament's on fire and his hands are up…" Anna sang, her voice as gentle and raspy as it could be, her free hand reaching to squeeze between her girlfriend's fingers, crawling up to caress her thin wrists. "On the balcony, and I'm singing 'ooh, baby, ooh, baby, I'm in love'…"

The blonde simply had an appreciative smile running along her pretty face. And in the melodic silence, she watched as Anna continued to sing, scissors placed on the glass table, back leaned against the cold metal balcony bars… and with much gentleness, Anna had pushed her wrist against those bars as well, and her girlfriend had let it.

Anna simply took that chance to press her body against her lover, their height just a head apart. "I can see my sweet boy swayin', he's crazy y Cubano como yo, la, la…" she continued, her whisper hoarse with desire, head tilting, nose brushing against Elsa's... and her two fingers grasped the thin stem of a cherry. Between her teeth again… she bit down on the crimson dessert. Eyelids were hooded, dreamy eyes gleaming, and her pupils were colored with expectations. "Hm…"

The blonde, as gentle as she was, held Anna's wrists, fingers tracing on her blue veins… and those lips that Anna had longed to kiss slowly came together with her own. She hummed, overjoyed, and while the sweetness, bitten between the two, overpowered her taste… she welcomed it.

Anna's freckled skin prickled with excitement, feeling her lover's gentle hair brushing against her brows… and she felt at peace when a gentle tongue danced with her own, but most of all… the blonde had drenched herself with the taste of cherry.

Soft hums and moans slowly escalated to giggles and prompted laughter when her girlfriend had the redhead suddenly wrapped with her arms around Anna's slender waist and had switched their two places. Still, their lips never once drew away from each other, like they paid no mind to the world…

"Mm…" Anna buzzed, and she had laid her delicate fingers on the sharp edge of her lover's jaw, her tongue pushing in with passion and the extreme longing… the drug that was her girlfriend's sweet honey. Only when they pulled away, a small series of pecks painted their lips… and the drawn smile she had spiraled into an expression of desire. And her girlfriend… looked nothing more than the same. Anna hummed again, vocals lowered this time, and her skin prickled when she felt hands draped over her thighs… when she felt those sharp ocean blue eyes stripping her from innocence, painting her with desire.

But only then… only when they knew things would take them somewhere else, they pulled away. The song continued to play on repeat, but nobody was paying attention when their attention was all averted to each other.

Her lover's intense gaze… was leaving her in a puddle of heat - not to mention, the sun beating down on them. But those cold blue eyes had been a wonderful contrast - the pad of her gentle thumb caressing her bottom lip even more. The blonde had grinned, pleased, and she had leaned in once more, tongue licking the fruity wetness on Anna's chin. "You had a little juice."

The redhead chuckled. "It was for you."

She pulled away, spitting out the single pit over to the streets below. "You must be having fun," the woman stated, entertained and all.

Anna tilted her head. Decidedly, she turned, pressing her back against the blonde's front… and their arms held each other tight. Their body swayed, eyes twinkling in the afternoon sun, and feeling a sharp chin placed on Anna's shoulder… everything felt lavishing. "You paid more attention to those roses than you do with me. How else am I going to get your attention?"

A peal of light joyous laughter sang to her ears. "Are you jealous, baby? I'm sorry. I think that kiss made up for it." She licked her lips. "It's sweet."

"That's hardly a 'make-up'" Anna pouted, playfully.

"Should I get you a ring then?"

"Not everything is about money, Elsa." She paused. "Although... a ring does sound nice."

"Hm… I'll see to it." Fingers gently pushed back Anna's hair, stroking them like a child with repetition. Ah, Anna always adored these little attentions. "You should help me with the roses. I don't like letting them wither away."

"You pay so much attention to them, they might as well be more alive than ever." She reached out to play with the pile of trashed petals on the glass table in front of her. And Elsa continued to pamper her girlfriend with kisses on the crook of her neck, caressing her hair.

"Remind me why I'm with you again?" Elsa chuckled lowly, sweet words whispered into Anna's ears. "You made me feel alive. So alive. These roses…" Her cold hand slid atop of Anna's, fingers drawn between each other. The way Elsa eyed those their tightly knitted fingers… Anna could just feel them embracing their closeness. "They're for you."

The redhead almost rolled her eyes. Elsa was hardly good at being sentimental. "You're saying I'm a flower?"

"A representation of love, beautiful," she answered, lips kept to her ear. "What else could you be… if not, love? Keeping them tidy is one thing. Keeping them in pristine condition through the reminder of you is another. And I choose the latter."

"I mean, you always say they're your favorite, even before we were even together."

She laughed once more. "Well, then, having you here motivates my enjoyment for them even more, right?" Pausing, Elsa looked out to the accompanying building across the street. "Besides… I like my women with a bit of thorn to them," she purred.

The rumbling voice sent shivers down Anna's spine, but she minded none of it. "Oh, you are just… sometimes too flattering."

Elsa hummed in agreement. "True. But you deserve it. After everything…" Anna's shimmering, the longing smile was abandoned, and her own eyes fell to the crowded streets. "I think you deserve a bit more pampering."

"Elsa, you don't have to guilt yourself anymore. It wasn't your fault… and I was being over-dramatic about your parents."

"It's not just that."

"Okay, I made some bad choices, as well, but they're not on you either," she replied nonchalantly.

"It's not up to you to decide. Well, maybe it is, but…" she shrugged, "if I can't love my girlfriend and make her smile, am I even deserving of her?"

She grasped the bars of the balcony. "I don't think I deserve you."

"And I think you deserve a lot." Lips kissed Anna's neck once more, and just as the redhead had turned around to face her, those once lustful blue eyes had softened with love. Happiness. Thankfulness. Words could not describe the beautiful grace that was Elsa. "You have me now. You have a home. While it may not be much, this is all yours."

She looked over her shoulder to the empty living room. "You… bought this apartment for me?"

"Mm… well, I thought of you. But the designs are all me," she half-joked, "I meant it when I said I'd give you everything just so you can smile for me."

And Anna did just that. "You're silly. How can such a good designer with a personality of a complete control freak who's able to do a switcharoo whenever talk so nonchalantly like that? Don't I smile enough for you?"

She huffed, eyebrows crossed. "Money gives power, and you have all the power in the world, baby. Did you just say I have a personality of a control freak?"

Anna arched her eyebrow, jutting her hip to the side. "Well, you are one, aren't you?"

The blonde's eyes wandered in contemplation. In reluctance and agreement, she sighed. "Sometimes, perhaps. But it's all to your best interest."

"Yeah, yeah, of course," she replied, words heavy with sarcasm. "Still… you're too kind. Too soft-hearted."

Elsa placed a finger on her lover's chest. "I'm your girlfriend. It's what I do. Look at me. I'd do anything for your happiness in return. I don't need anything from you… other than to see your smile. I would apologize a thousand times for my inconsideration, no matter how many times you have forgiven me. Your parents would be very happy with the way you are now."

Anna remained the quietest, relishing the lightness of the wind touching her sun-kissed skin. She'd always find Elsa to be considerate, but even the most perfect person would always have second thoughts about themselves and others. "God, I love you…"

"And I, you."

A few dreading seconds of silence felt like a lifetime of torture. Perhaps, she heard her say the wrong words - those wrong, hurtful words that she never expected Elsa to say. Perhaps, it was her imagination. Or this was just another awful nightmare. But if this was ever a joke, it was hardly funny. Not to mention, it was the first thing her girlfriend ever said to her after two months of her slumber.

Anna's heart was expectedly tense, pushing her own body away to stare at the blonde in confusion. The tears that rested on her eyes remained there, and those same bitter tears that streamed down her cheeks rested on the tip of her chin. Everything… felt so foreign to her. Those curious blue eyes that stared back at her showed no sign of familiarity, and Anna… never felt more broken and confused.

Through the echoes of prolonged silence, through the robotic melody of her own heart pounding along with the vital sign monitor, Anna had turned to the two parents. The look of silent shock between the two mirrored Anna's.

She was in denial. She thought Elsa's parents had said she was strong and smart - what kind of person would forget about their girlfriend after two months?

Anna slowly separated from her, laughing, but it was such despaired laughter. "W-What? What did you just say…?" she questioned, disbelieved.

Those unfamiliar eyes stayed exactly the same. The blonde had ignored the question, looking over to her shoulders for the two parents. "I… I just asked, who are you? Do I know you?"

The remaining trust and hope of Elsa smiling for her had crashed down, and it was as if Anna was the one that had been crushed by the truck. Shock coursed through her… her body unmoved from the bed, and those loving eyes turned into fear. "E-Elsa…? Why are you asking that? Elsa, it's me! What are you talking about?!"

Just as she had put hands around Elsa's arms, she felt a pair of strong arms quickly restraining the redhead. "Anna - Anna, calm down!" Agdar shouted, each word agonized with heartbreak.

But Anna wasn't having it. That was her girlfriend. That was her love of her life… but in front of her, she knew she was only merely looking at a shell that was once her girlfriend. She whimpered, grabbing the father's arm in need to push him away. Her tingling fingers and her numbing shakiness resulted in her weakness, and she merely collapsed right on Elsa's lap in her bed. "You know me, Elsa! What are you talking about?!"

"Anna!"

Her hands quickly squeezed her girlfriend's shoulders. She was blinded. She wasn't seeing the fear in Elsa's face She wasn't seeing the way Elsa was trying to push her away. She wasn't hearing how her girlfriend was crying for help - or was she really Anna's girlfriend?

"Stop joking around, Elsa! You know me -" she wept. Unbeknownst to her, Agdar and a few foreign hands of doctors that had come in had struggled to pull her away. Idunn… from the side wept like a child before she got between the two girls. "YOU KNOW ME!" She tugged away from them harder but to no avail.

"Anna, don't do this!" the father yelled.

"LET GO OF ME! Elsa -" And as she felt the doctors continuously drag her away… the view of her girlfriend had gone farther and farther away. The sight of her girlfriend staring at her wasn't fear that Anna had once seen on her expression. It was pity. Apologetic. "You know me… Elsa…" she whispered, but only the sharp slam of the door answered her back.

And for a long while, every single sound of the hospital - every gentle voice, every comforting sound - sounded like ugly statics in her ears. She had been sitting on the row of chairs across Elsa's room, teal eyes completely spaced out, but she would always notice doctors coming in and out of the room. How Agdar would come out every so often to get her a cup of water. To comfort her.

No, all she wanted was to hear some news - but, perhaps, all she ever wanted to hear was good news. Good news that would ease her tense, shattered heart.

It shouldn't be her. It should never have been her. Elsa should have been by her side, as they had always promised each other. At a time like this, Anna still felt the gentle reminder… a remnant of her lover's touch on her hand. Caressing her cheek. All she could imagine were those fingers wiping away her tears, lips pampering her with soft sweet nothings, and kisses that would cure her unhappiness.

It should never have been her. Anna sighed, breathing shakily, and her head dropped to the ground.

The door that closed in front of her face before had opened for the seventh time.

"Sweetheart, would you like to eat something? It's almost six."

Anna didn't look up, knowing it was Idunn's turn to make her feel better. The older woman wouldn't understand. Hearing a long drag of sigh, she felt the mother sit beside her, her hand coming to soothe her shoulder. "I have some news for you." She makes this all sound so comforting.

Anna squeezed her eyes shut. "I don't want to hear it."

"I understand. I know you don't." Idunn gaped at the door. Of course, through the blurry window, they could both see simple outlines of Agdar… and the woman that laid in bed, still. "This won't sound good for you, but I want to get started by saying this. And I think… it would benefit Elsa a lot. Only, it would hurt you a lot as well."

Anna definitely did not want to hear it now. Like a child, she placed her palms against her ears.

"Anna, you must listen to me -"

"I don't want to." She took a deep breath, and with much courage, she managed to look up. Of course, Idunn's weary expression mirrored her own. "She… doesn't remember me, Idun. What am I supposed to even do... ?"

"That's why I need you to listen to me." Fingers - and, oh, she desperately wished they were Elsa's - ran through her disheveled hair.

"I… I can't do a single thing for her…"

"I know, sweetheart. I know." A short paused quickly fell upon them. "Right now… I think the best thing for her… Anna, it's to not tell her you're her girlfriend."

Instantly, Anna stood up, ferocity and heartbreak shown in her widened eyes. "You… want me to what?" She squinted. "Are you kidding me?!"

"Anna, we don't want her to stress any longer!"

"She lives with me -"

"And she will continue to live with you… as roommates."

"Roommates… are you fucking serious?" Anna scoffed, and she was just beyond disbelief. Her own hands folded in her hair, and her legs began to pace without any patience. There were so many things running through Anna's head. As much as she loved to pick one and choose to say, her lips were pursed tightly together. But the silence was deafening, and Anna had no clue what she should even say to Idunn. Her eyes began to water again, vision blurred, but deep down in her shattered heart, she recognized how true Idunn's words were.

Lacking any mental strength, she plopped back down on the chair, her hand wiping her face.

That door she continued to stare at was more haunting than ever, and she feared that if she ever entered, her girlfriend would be lost once more. She chewed on her lip in contemplation, in wonder… and she wondered to herself if her heart really wanted this.

She turned to Idunn, and the distraught in her eyes had been rebuilt with lasting comfort. Though, it was comfort that seemed so artificial. Anna could see it. Idunn was only trying her best, but her best was never enough.

"Anna… I know you don't want this. I know…" she sighed, fingers wringing together in a nervous touch, "I know there are some things that Elsa knew about you… and now, she doesn't. She's… a lovely girl. A grown woman. She loves you so much, and she brought that love to us, as well. You are my daughter as much as she is mine, and it hurts just as much to see you like this. To see her like this. Think about it… if you told her now, imagine how heartbroken she would be. How sad she would be because she doesn't know who her girlfriend is anymore. She would want to take this slow, wouldn't she?"

Elsa always had the knack of wanting to take things particularly slow. Hell, even she realized wanting to marry in such a young age would be detrimental to their dream future. She wanted to hear those words again - I want to marry you. Waiting… it was always waiting… and it was time for Anna to be as willing and patient as she could be.

Though reluctant, she eyed Elsa's mother with such sorrow and exhaustion, the crimson color absolutely drained from her cheeks. Silence met the air, but her hurried thoughts continued to scramble to piece her words together. "Can I see her?" was her last plea, as much as she did not want to say those words.

But Idunn was understanding. Placing a hand on Anna's shoulder, she nodded in acceptance. "Sure, honey. Would you like the doctor to inform you what's going on?"

She nodded.

"Alright, we're here for you. Both of you."

The door was the only barrier between the lovers. She didn't want to touch the knob, and as if it burned, she turned to Idunn for assistance. Understandably, the mother obliged through unspoken words, and Anna… only took a single step inside.

Everything was quiet - and any words that were said before had ceased to sound. Agdar was looking at her. The doctor had been doing a thorough examination, but not anymore. And Elsa…

Silently, Anna gazed at the woman, who immediately eyed her back with nothing but… well, how would she describe it? Confusion? Peace? Of course, there the lack of love in Elsa's eyes disappointed Anna greatly. And I don't want to see that. Like a child being punished, she glanced to the floor, arms crossed together.

"Doctor… would you like to talk to Anna, please?" Idunn aided.

Agdar immediately turned to Anna, hand on her back. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

She nodded, and once she had gazed up, Elsa was still staring at her. Can she stop?

And while she was completely distracted with the hatred of seeing Elsa looking at her like she was a stranger, the doctor had stretched his hand out for Anna. "Hello, I'm Doctor Watson. I know you've been worried about Elsa's condition. May we sit down with her for a moment?"

The redhead, with a lack of enthusiasm, looked at the tall man. Her eyes shifted to his chest pocket, where his nametag spelled out "James" as his first name. "Sure."

"Good. Parents, would you like to give us some space please?" His overly enthusiastic smile… Was he trying to make Anna gag? Ignoring them, Anna decided to take a seat on the chair beside Elsa. And still, their gaze… never left each other. Sounds from the background, voices from the parents became nothing but statics. And though, she was thoroughly tired, she made an effort to glance at Elsa's colored cheeks… to her frail hands… to the glistening eyes filled with questions and curiosity. Nothing could be said, but Anna… didn't have the words to say much either. I guess… I'm still in shock.

The door had silently shut, the doctor finally approaching the two of them.

"Okay," he took a deep breath, "Anna, if you would just listen carefully…"

The girl shifted her attention to James immediately. She had no more will to see those frequent distant blue eyes. The doctor had crouched to her level, elbows placed atop of his knees, and because of his tall structure, his long white coat dragged against the floor.

James, for a moment, took a chance to look at Anna. To Elsa. "Right, so… as you know, Elsa was in a car crash two months ago. She has been informed about that moments ago, but she's steady right now. Still a little shaken up with everything, but that's okay. I recognize that you… have also been feeling an unbearable amount stress because of this, so I wanted to wait until her parents have all been informed and calmed down as well."

Anna simply nodded. Well, I'm trying to stay calm. "So? What is it?"

"To simply put it, she's suffering from retrograde amnesia. Multiple damages to the brain from the accident, unfortunately, was the cause for all of this."

Retrograde…? She knew exactly what that was. With bulging eyes suffering in fear, she turned to her girlfriend once more. "Elsa…" she whispered, each word dragging out like her last breath, but she doubted Elsa knew how hurt she felt. No, Anna knew exactly how Elsa felt, and she realized how much help her girlfriend needed. How much love she would need as well. "How long?" she asked, but her eyes never left Elsa.

The doctor sighed, turning over to the blonde. "Elsa, would you mind telling us how old you think you are again?"

The same muddled stare switched from the doctor to Anna multiple times. Of course, Anna knew the uncertainty in her expression. After all, she was the one that had panicked on her. With a gentle smile, she slowly reached for Elsa's hand - as cold as always - and her eyes glistened with love. "Go on, you can tell me," she breathed as lovingly as her breath could mutter.

Though knowing that Elsa was hesitant, Anna was patient. She listened to the woman exhale a short wisp of breath, head tilting… and she turned to Anna once again. "I… I'm seventeen years old."

What? In disbelief, Anna had pulled herself slightly back, her hand that was caressing Elsa's hand had left immediately. She squinted in confusion, she scoffed in frustration… and, most of all, her brain could not comprehend the words that came out of her mouth. "Elsa… you're twenty-four… turning twenty-five…" was her reply, but it was a reply to herself.

The blonde quirked an eyebrow up. "Twenty-five…?"

"That's how much memory she's lost," the doctor continued. "Eight years. Not to mention -"

Elsa immediately groaned, eyebrows furrowed. All attentions were shifted to the blonde, watching as her hand grasped her right leg. "I… I can't move my legs." The woman lifted her torso as if attempting to sit up. Another agonized groan slipped out, and her grasp grew stronger.

"Elsa…?"

"Why can't I move my legs?" she questioned, and it was her words that were agonized now.

Promptly, Anna came to her side, hand reaching for Elsa's. Fear was written in both of their expressions, but it was Anna that needed to remain firm. "Elsa… Elsa, calm down - Doctor, what is this?" Her fingers gently swiped through her blonde hair.

"Muscle atrophy."

"M… Muscle, what?"

"She's been in bed for too long. With the injury and the lack of physical activities, her muscles were wasted. She will need physical therapy for a bit."

"Are you… serious?"

"This is a very serious matter, Anna. Doctors would never lie about this stuff." He paused. "Not to worry, she will be back on her feet in no time with a few sessions of physical therapy."

No shit she will be back on her feet.

Every single destructive emotion crashed through Anna like flaming meteors. Her eyes wandered, as if crazed, and as much as she wanted to pay attention to the doctor… her girlfriend was suffering. Crying. Tears rested upon those beautiful eyes, and like the girl she once knew… Elsa wasn't giving up, despite not a single muscle was moving for her.

And Anna felt like she had lost everything. Glancing at the legs unmoved under the thin violet blanket, at the fingers that showed only skin and bone, she felt as her whole world had fallen apart. Remember… it's for her.

Taking a deep breath, Anna immediately stood up, her arms slowly wrapped around her lover's head. She shut her eyes, lips pressed against her hair. And as Elsa continued to struggle to get her legs to move, Anna kept her close to her arms. Every little hurtful thought had turned to whispers of encouragement and reassurance. Deep down, she knew it wasn't going to do much, and neither would it fix what had happened. "Elsa… I've got you… I've got you. It's okay, you don't have to try…"

A whimper replied to her, and those thin fingers had begun to grasp Anna's wrist. And only then, only after Anna had held her tighter and closer, Elsa had calmed down. A moment, while short, meant so much to Anna as she felt her girlfriend lean closer… much closer to her. That's all she needs…

The fingers that wrapped around her wrist began to wrap around Anna's shoulder. They never pulled away. They never tried. This was the familiar comfort they'd both feel with each other.

And while the silence drifted, she felt Elsa's head against the crook of her neck, only to feel her pull away.

Her gentle teal eyes searched Elsa's, allowing her knuckles to caress her girlfriend's pale cheeks, fingers trapped between the strands of Elsa's hair. "You're okay… you're going to be okay." Because you helped me be okay once upon a time…

With confusion and fear written all over her face, Elsa's only question was… "Who are you…? Who are you?" Hopelessness was emphasized through her weak voice.

As simple as it should have been to say those three words, Anna's tongue was caught in her throat. Simply, gazing at her lover - the lover that needed much saving and love - Anna couldn't bear a second of seeing extreme fright carried in her deep blue eyes. Flashes of memories rolled through her thoughts like videotapes. The touches of laughter. The smiles. The hugs. The kisses. The sweet nothings whispered in her ears. The way Elsa would look at her… with such desire, such love, such… devotion. Will I ever have that again?

With a tight smile, Anna answered in the most vulnerable voice, "I'm a friend, Elsa."