Wishful thinking only made the truth more painful, she had once told Milly.

The object of her affection was friendly with her, to be sure, but more so with the priest.

And even though Meryl assured herself that Vash and Wolfwood were simply closer friends than most, there was something in their relationship that suggested that though they held themselves apart during the day, they might not at night.

Now, she knew – an empty bed, a flash of red in the hallway before Wolfwood’s door closed.

Reality was bitter, and the wish hurt more than ever.