Tanis' rejection had hit Sinead harder than she could ever have expected. It might have been its timing; Sinead might have been able to stomach it better if it had come before she got to hold Tanis' in her arms.<br/>The parting words Tanis' offered her felt like they were in conflict with one another. Above all, it made it feel like a slap in the face, too much like an intentional and comprehensive<span style="font-style: italic">goodbye</span>. Besides the kiss, Sinead hadn't extended Tanis any invasive courtesies and the thought of those being rejected as well made it hard for Sinead to look at Tanis.<br/>All she could muster was a brief glance, her lips pulled taut in a joyless smile.<br/>Not knowing what to say, Sinead nodded in place of a spoken reply. She wanted to apologize all over again, but the sound of someone shifting deep within the apartment served as a crude reminder of reality, only then far out of her haze to be present in the moment.<br/>Finally understanding she had greatly overstayed her welcome, she nervously adjusted her skirt, even though it immediately creased again, as she stepped past Tanis to leave the kitchen. "I'll let myself out, you get some rest."