The view from outside the living room window was lovely. Spring was still in bloom, though summer was fast approaching. Everyone at school was becoming restless, and for Christa, it meant finally breathing a sigh of relief on one end of her life. Being a senshi was very therapeutic in many ways. Taking out youma, running for long distances, having responsibilities unique to a certain station of person…Christa found herself more at ease with the things happening at home as a result. Doctors and her parents always said how important exercise was to the mind and body, but Christa always thought her mind was good enough on its own and she never had much interest vested into exercise. Her body was getting leaner, burning fat and replacing it with muscle. Even her aunt and uncle were beginning to notice Christa newfound fitness. The teen explained she started going to an athletics club at school as part of her own self-help therapy. Divorce diversion.

They, of course, didn't find anything wrong with that. In fact, Aunt Elizabeth expressed pride in Christa's decision to take action. They encouraged her to continue to go and work on accepting the fact that her parents were getting a divorce. The split was put on hold legally for Bradley's funeral - something else the exercise was helping her deal with. Melinda being a senshi too…now that was a shocker. The last thing Christa expected to find out of Serpentarius was her being Melinda in disguise. But some good had come of it despite Melinda's initial shock and disgust and sadness in her own revelation. The two now patrolled together, leaning on and assisting each other whenever they needed it. Somehow, Christa was more comforted by the fact that Mel was a senshi too. It meant she could protect herself and her family if the need arose, and Christa had complete faith in her.

The gray haired teen rose from her seat at the window to walk downstairs into the basement where her temporary room resided. She had to remind herself of the fact that she was only staying for a little while. Bradley's death made her realize how selfish it was to move out when she did. She thought it was in her best interest and knew her father and brother wouldn't blame her for it. It was her mistake to make, just as Gypsum had said before. They were all human, and thus entitled to make their own mistakes. Christa lay herself down on her bed, turning over to feel the plush softness of her blankets and pillow. Her room was sparse, just as she intended it to be: a desk, a chair, a small bookcase and her bed plus the laptop for schoolwork. A small collection of books. Something to keep her occupied when school and senshihood didn't barge into her life without being invited.

But she was nearing a time when she considered moving back home earlier than the deadline she had given her father when she left initially. Her brother Zachary needed her now more than ever. He was near comatose with grief when she went to see him. The family took the news of Bradley's death very hard, Zach most of all. Christa had to move back, if only for Zach. She loved him dearly, more than she could ever express. It was her duty as a sister and as a family member to be there for him.

So, that evening over dinner, Christa discussed moving back home to be with the family now that school was dying down and the funeral was coming up. Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Alexander expressed their sadness, but understood the reasoning behind it. The four cats would miss her, said Aunt Liz. He would miss Christa's debating over the latest bestseller, said Uncle Al, but they understood and gave her their blessing. After helping clean up dinner, Christa spent the next hour on the phone with her father and brother, giving them the news.

She'd never heard Zach cry before, but he did that night, and it was out of sheer happiness. Christa was relieved.