<div style="text-align: justify;">Mariya was indeed a Muscovite Russian. And that didn't matter at all to her, as she believed friendship was much more than skin deep. And below skin level, Mariya and Vitali had always had a close bond. It was as though they were equals in many levels and understood each other easily. She really hoped they still had that bond, both because it would make her mission easier and because she really missed that friendship.<br/><br/>When Vitali asked her if she would mind sharing the bathroom, Mariya shook her head on a negative. "Not at all, Viti. As long as it's clean, I really don't mind. I don't want to be more of a hassle than I already am", she stated. It was true. She felt bad having to accept Vitali's help on that front. "I will pay you back if and when I get a job. Promise", she murmured.<br/><br/>Vitali's question about things having changed between them. Mariya thought for a few seconds, before speaking. She decided being honest was her best bet there. "I'm sorry, Viti", she apologized. "It's just...", she started, interrupting herself with a deep sigh. "I'm still a bit confused, and tired, and... after all this time apart, and now with my parents gone, I... I think I feel that you are the only family I have left". She sniffed and blinked a few times, trying to laugh it off. "Look what you have done!", she exclaimed, shaking her head. "Are you proud of yourself now?", she completed, trying to smile.</div>