TWELVE PART 1

As the door to her chamber swung open, the scene that unfolded before her eyes both exceeded and fell short of Lenore's expectations.

Lenore was nestled in a seated position, legs folded neatly like a pretzel, a phrase Noah often used. Her attire consisted of loose-fitting sweatpants and a whimsical Scottish pub t-shirt, proudly displaying the emblem of The Wolf and Lamb. The vibrant green hue of the shirt evoked a sense of Scotland within her. How curious it was that a color could evoke such vivid associations.

Meanwhile, Randi, engrossed in the task of painting Lenore's nails, was far from a skilled hand. Frustration escaped her lips in a hushed muttering, expressing her self-doubt. "Oh, damn it," she grumbled. "I'm just not cut out for this."

Lenore chuckled in response. "Keep trying," she encouraged.

But then, another woman, situated on the floor, interjected with a determined tone. "Allow me to give it a try."

Lenore hesitated, contemplating the offer. "No, I'll manage."

The unfa