Dear Logan,

     David faded today.
Just a bit at first. Just enough to take my breath and wake him up. He was scared, didn't know why he was sharp all of a sudden and you all were nervous. I could feel you pacing inside, like you'd caught the scent of a larger animal that had yet to show itself. It was there, after Julius but before Augustus that he faded completely. Gone.

Just gone.

I wonder who will be next. There's a cruel echo of Erik, "My dear, some things never change." But the face that forms is rued, the nose not near sharp enough. The hair is nice, though. He is unafraid. But not the Bobby that lives under my skin. He fears. Somehow, this is what he wanted. To be here, with you, hidden in the dark of me. He's apologized, you know. A million times, maybe more. For all the things he was thinking when it happened. For all the things he didn't know existed until he saw them as they were sucked out. By me.

But I'm nice. At least, I try to be. When I pretend I'm not really sure why he's saying he's sorry. He knows, of course. But I think it helps him, so he pretends, too. The same way you do. Oh, you don't really pretend, not in words or thoughts. Most people can't read you, but I know you. I know what it means when you lean against the fridge with your eyes half-shut. Yet, you never say anything. Not even in those moments we find ourselves together and alone. Moreover, you're okay with me not sayin' anything, either. Actually, I think you prefer it that way. Nothing to answer for then. And then you don't have to tell me no. It's better in this place for us. Somewhere between no and yes.

I can't tell if you're afraid or not in here. Just... strangely quiet. Like you're waiting and not, for nothing to come.

Me, too.

Just... don't leave me with him. Because I have the feeling that Erik is going to stay with me, "as long as there's iron in my bones."

Our powers are a blessing and a curse, Xavier says. I guess that's true, but most days I feel the curse. Like the metal in my bones. At least we have that much in common.

                         Love,
                         Marie