“Nadine has been so kind to me, Sir. She’s going to teach me to read proper and do all my letters and that. I can do it but slow, you know?”

Eponine licks her lips. Her throat is incredibly dry: it feels like she has a thick choker about her neck almost cutting off her air supply. It lessens a little when he lets go of her, but Nero’s fingers in her hair make her wish she had none for him to stroke.

“Yes. Yes of course you can visit. You can help… help me change it? When I were there, only a house filled with dolls Sir. But you can visit, if… if you like.”

At least he’s not coming wherever Nadine’s going. Between Homelander and Julie, she’s got enough to put up with without Nero as well.

“Please, Sir. Please let me go to Nadine now,” she all but whispers.
“If you won’t help me dress, please let me go.”