[RQ] make the ashes

Jude

I'll breathe you in like smoke in the backyard light
We used to laugh til we choked, into the wasted nights

"Hi Mel," he echoes, managing a small smile that is thankfully more shy than sad. The girls bring a lackadaisical, positive energy that cocoons him and carries him like a toy boat in a typhoon, and he's glad for the way it improves his own mood to luxuriate between them quietly.

"Please tell me we don't have to lug them back ourselves?" There's a wrinkle to Jude's nose as he envisions his al dente spaghetti arms traversing the not-inconsiderable size of Torchline with rock-laden baskets. Maybe there would be donkeys chartered to pick them up? "I'd be happy to say Flora and I twisted our ankles and Melita had to carry us both back, one in each arm." He aims a shy smile toward the girls, attempting to be humorous, though he doesn't doubt Mel could easily carry both of them that way. Regardless, he plunks another few rocks into his bag, dutiful still.

It was the best time of my life, but now I sleep alone
So please don't wake me up, 'cause my thrill is gone