The trouble for Zelda is that she has prayed. Every single day for ten years of her life she prayed, with no result, until it turned to begging and bitterness. Once her power awakened it didn’t work through prayer- it worked through will and a spirituality that had nothing to do with communication. She doesn’t know how to explain that.

Ellie apparently doesn’t need the help though, and Zelda watches raptly as the fungus recedes. Then the girl’s words snap her out of her revery, and she rises to her feet.

“That was incredible! There are a few more spots, but that was the biggest.” She waits for Ellie to get up before leading her to the next cool, neglected corner.