The simplicity of the response was what stunned her, in the end. There wasn't any attempt to dress it up or explain it. Just the fact.

"Gone? Like, completely gone? And he didn't even get to tell you? The city can do that?" she asked, incredulous, and yet not entirely surprised.

Without bothering to say anything, Rachel went forward and embraced her friend, a tight squeeze to prove that she, at least, was still there.