"I'm sorry," Lamb mutters on his way out, and that— that bit of civility from the close, personal friend of the wizard— is what breaks her. Don Lamb is sorry.

The words grow larger in her mind, taking up space, crowding out all other thought, seeping into the meticulously constructed compartments in her brain.

The mechanical hum of the refrigerator underscores them.

I'm sorry.

Her tongue darts out, soothing broken skin, and the metallic tinge of blood mixed with vanilla chapstick flavors them.

I'm sorry.

Her chest constricts; her eyes lose focus. Her fingers go numb.

"Veronica? Veronica? Come back to me."

Logan.

Her head whips up, her eyes meet his.

"Always."

Note: Originally written for LV AU Week 2019

Prompt: Come back to me/Always

Stage One: Shock. You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once.