Apology
It had been over a year since Velma and Roxie closed at the Chicago Theatre. For half that time, Roxie had drifted from one menial job to another. Then one night, homeless and wandering the streets, she met Mama again.
Mama had taken her in--given her shelter--given her...if not love, a semblance of it, which Roxie had come to crave.
Lately Mama was distant, preoccupied. Sometimes, she pushed Roxie away. Her questions went unanswered, her tears unremarked.
Then one night, the truth: "Sorry, kid. Velma's back." And the earth fell away.