Nova observed from a distance as Xenia navigated through the stages of grief, her emotions ranging from mutterings to hysterical crying. Nova felt the urge to comfort her, but every time she approached, Xenia would abruptly jump up with another round of rambling. 

“It’s possible she got away,” Xenia said to no one in particular. “Right? I mean, we didn't see a body. She probably saw the first light and jumped out of the way. Yeah, my mother is smart like that.” Xenia nodded, seemingly in agreement with herself. 

“That has to be it. She's not dead unless I see a body.” A moment later. “That explosion was big though....