Star Wars: Duel of the Fates

Chapter 10

Rose knocked on the door and waited until Kyra answered looking apprehensive.

"Hi," Rose said smiling, "Am I disturbing you? I can come back later."

Kyra looked over her shoulder at the empty room.

"Where's your roommate?" Rose asked.

"...She went to the viewing room with some others."

"Why didn't you go with them?"

Kyra shrugged looking away.

"It's ok, you don't have to if you don't want to," Rose said.

"I..." her eyes went distant, "...just feel better in here."

"Well I won't keep you for long," Rose said holding the hat out towards her, "I just wanted to give you something."

Kyra took it, running her fingers down the dark knitted bundle.

Rose looked at her face, "You don't have to wear it if you don't like it."

"No it's just..." she seemed lost for words, "Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

She put it on, self-consciously tucking it over her ears.

"It looks nice," Rose said, "I'll leave you in peace."

She went to step away until the girl spoke, "Lekku."

Rose turned, her eyebrows drawn together.

Kyra went on, "That's what the head-tails are called...we call them lekku."

Nodding Rose drew closer.

Kyra crossed her arms over her chest.

"You don't have to tell me what happened," Rose said, "not until you're ready."

"...I...the first day they took me...they...they cut them off."

"I'm so sorry."

She tightened the grip on her upper arms and stared at the floor, "They told me it was...that they'd hang out of my helmet..."

"Kyra...I don't know what to say; that's awful."

She looked up, "They almost reached my waist. That was really long for someone...my age."

"How old were you?"

"...Five," she replied.

"Does it still hurt?"

Kyra nodded haltingly.

"Do you want to come to the medbay? Get something to help?" Rose offered.

Nodding again, Kyra stepped out into the corridor and silently followed behind Rose.