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+---- Thread: [o] The sky is falling (/showthread.php?tid=12401)
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The sky is falling - Koa - 01-15-2026
Koa's really feeling that darkesttimeline.gif energy as he looks around his dusty office with no idea where to start. It's an unsettling feeling, knowing this may be his last time in this room where he's spent so many hours and grown so much. He'd left, yes, but that was with the childish expectation that he could easily come back, that his life would stay crystalized and immortalized and waiting, that Stormbreak would always be there to take him back into her familiar embrace. The inevitability of the death of his home is a reality he's still unable to fully reconcile.
He's packed up the things he needs, and is surprised to find how little there is. Extra gear; some books and notebooks; a couple of pictures; a spare pair of boots. The rest is furniture and other such trappings, things full of memories he's leaving behind. Even Pip has been forced to choose between her many treasures, paring the loot stash down into a selection small enough to fit in her little pack. Koa finishes securing this on her before hoisting up his own bag onto one broad shoulder.
Together they pause in the doorway, casting a last look to a space that saw them change from boy and wyrmling to dragon and man. Then Koa sighs, and scratches the dragonling between her horns. [say]"Alright, Pip. Time to head out."[/say]
Then he closes the door on the room and the chapter of his life it represents, feeling something close in his heart at the same time. Together Koa and Pip make their way toward the staircase that will lead them back to the rest of the world.
RE: The sky is falling - Kaisel - 01-15-2026
The news that Stormbreak is fucking falling into the sea is something he took really well. Definitely kept his cool and didn't pace a trench into the floor of the Wildering house or yap Flora's ear off all night long with a repeating circle of what the fuck!? that ranged everywhere from cursing aliens to gods and contractors in-between. He didn't sleep much that night.
Needing action to calm the mixture of guilt and panic humming like electricity beneath his veins, he took to Stormbreak the next morning with a promise to return soon. There's lots to arrange in Torchline to prepare for all the evacuees as well, but he needs to be on ground zero, because that's home.
It might not be where he puts his head down anymore, but this will always be his first home, and it's a part of him. Absently, he runs a thumb over the keys in his pocket, the keychain there the one Flora gave him, with a piece from the stonework in front of his childhood house. That he's fully losing that place now means he cherishes that momento more than ever, and the woman thoughtful enough to offer it to him.
He's already seen to plans with his parents, ensuring that they have a place to go, though annoyingly, they're not selecting Torchline. "We've always been in a city," they tell him like it's obvious—they're going to the Hollowed Grounds instead. He suggested they try Torchline out, but they'd made up their minds, preferring the old comforts of stone and tight buildings over a tropical paradise (even with the sand, he has to admit it's lovely). Fine, it's fine, he just wants them out and safe. He helped them pack some shit up, but they aren't moving yet, insisting there's other citizens they need to help get out. Dusty first and all that. He takes a few things from his room, stuffing them in his backpack, not needing to leave them behind now that he won't have his spare room here to return to. Just his old nightlight, some spare clothes, one of his toy dragons from his youth, and his first pocketknife.
Following the advice of his folks, who checked in with his uncle, he heads to the Dragon's Nest on the hunt for [say]"Koa?"[/say] He calls out the name, worry threaded into the tone despite his attempt to keep it flat. He's trying to act as unfazed as everyone else, fuck they're losing the places they live, and not by choice, but it sits like something stuck in his throat he can't swallow all the way down. It'd been bad enough when the Family kicked them out, it's another thing to see this place lost forever, destroyed. He's built a new life, but he always had this to visit, somewhere fond and full of memories he feels like are being ripped away. He'd once told Zavien he'd been scared he'd recognize this place less and less as he visited—that shops he once knew would close, that strange new ones would open, that people would move or pass or become different. All of his childhood is packed within these city streets, and more than ever it feels like he's losing those halcyon days.
[say]"Koa!"[/say] he says with pure relief as soon as his cousin comes into view on the steps. He can't help it, he sheds all his attempts at staying strong, and like a little kid again runs straight into the arms of his older family, the hero who always has it together and knows how to put the world straight again.
RE: The sky is falling - Koa - 01-18-2026
There's far less hustle in the Nest than might have been expected, though perhaps that's not actually surprising. Most people are at home or the docks, focused on packing up their homes and moving their families. Still, enough soldiers mill around to keep Koa occupied, hurried greetings and well wishes and hugs exchanged with everyone he passes. It's still so surreal, so strange: he feels more like he's preparing for summer vacation than a mass evacuation, because forever has always applied to Stormbreak's presence, not its death.
Koa's halfway down the stairs when he catches his name again, this time in a voice that's bright and breathtaking, achingly familiar. He'd been closing up a passing conversation with someone on the level above, and has only half-turned toward his cousin when Kaisel crashes into his arms, arms which had opened before his thoughts could direct them, that would always be open for his kin.
[say]"Kai,"[/say] Koa breathes into the mop of dark hair, his grip fierce and crushing as he pulls the boy in tight. From his shoulder Pipsqueak croons a greeting note, hop-flying over to wrap herself around Kaisel, her anxious purring causing her coat to shimmer as she crawls unapologetically (and probably not too comfortably) onto his head. His steady voice cracks a little as he murmurs earnestly: [say]"It's good to see you, kid."[/say]
Breaking the hug, Koa puts his hand on Kai's shoulder, directing him back down the stairs so they can stand on even ground. [say]"Are your folks packed?"[/say] He'd checked on them earlier when they'd been starting the process; they'd told him of their plans to go to the Grounds, and Kimo's intentions of joining, at least for a time. To outside eyes Koa is calm and measured, ever the anchor in a storm despite his scruffy countenance, his remarkably ill-suited beard. He even manages a smile for Kaisel, though it doesn't reach the copper eyes that can't seem to keep still, darting about to track those around them, constantly alert and on edge as he tries to track the well-being of everyone but himself.
RE: The sky is falling - Kaisel - 01-18-2026
The embrace cracks through the outer layers of tension like spring bearing down on fresh ice. It doesn't quite reach all the way through, but something gives in that moment, aching into a laugh that's less humor than just the body trembling out energy. He crinkles into a bundle of delight beneath Pip, a stray hand reaching up to pat at her in greeting as he buries himself into Koa with a sigh. Kid doesn't even land like a burr, but like a memory of better times—easier, welcome times that he's terrified of losing now even if he'd been doing everything to run from them the past year.
Easing back into the reality of the moment at hand as they part, Kaisel settles into stride beside Koa, nearly the same height now, but still always a bit below his older cousin. [say]"Yeah, I just came from there,"[/say] he says with a puff of cheeks that blows out in a quiet huff of nerves. [say]"They said uncle Kimo is set, and they're all going to the Grounds. What about you?"[/say] He glances over, too fast to catch on the details of unusual scruff or lines that ought not be there, but no less earnest. [say]"Do you need help packing? You can put stuff in my backpack, it has no bottom. Where are you staying? You should come to the house, we have plenty of room, it won't be weird I promise."[/say] It all tumbles free in a breathless rush of uncertainty. One hand reaches out to clutch onto Koa's shoulder, a quiet bid for answers and something stabilizing as the ground threatens to fall out from under him in more ways than one.
RE: The sky is falling - Serendipity - 01-18-2026
The scent reaches you before you see it — sharp, resinous, and unmistakably warm. Just off the path grows a dense cluster of plants thriving in the heat, their leaves dark and glossy, their stems heavy with sap.
When the breeze shifts, the plants release a rich, smoky fragrance that clings to the air, the kind that would burn slowly and sweetly if dried. Some of the leaves are already curling at the edges, sun-cured and ready.
The cluster stands out from its surroundings, vibrant and intentional, as though cultivated for a purpose far beyond simple growth.
You've found an offering for Tanau! Whoever is next to post in this thread will be the first one to see the offering, but if they wish to give it to someone else, they're more than welcome! No need to post in account updates, just keep track of this thread for the Longheat SWE!
RE: The sky is falling - Koa - 01-19-2026
Koa's nose wrinkles at the reminder that their family is heading to the Grounds: not where he would have chosen, but watcha gonna do? Old people are stubborn, and there isn't time to call a family meeting, to sit down and hash out the logistics of whence they ought to flee. Soon their once deep-rooted family will be scattered like dandelion seeds, searching for new patches of soil in which they might grow. At least the older generation has chosen the same plot.
It's a pity that the same can't be said for their kids.
Koa shrugs at Kai's question as to where he'll go, grateful for his cousin's stream of consciousness chatter that prevents him from having to answer right away. It takes his brain a second to latch onto 'Come to the house,' when it does Koa pauses, a confused expression on his face as he turns to look at Kai, because isn't the whole problem that their childhood homes are about to collapse into the sea? Then realization dons and his warm eyes widen, a pang of something - disbelief? hurt? utter befuddlement? - flashing across his face. He'd spent so much time trying not to think about the fact that his cousin and his ex were dating, and then more time thinking way too hard about it, and while he's finally just about come to terms with the whole thing, the reminder still stings like a mosquito bite.
[say]"Yeah, uh, no, it'd definitely be weird, man."[/say] He shakes his head and laughs good naturedly, though there's the shadow of a lie beneath the sound. [say]"'Sides, I haven't really thought about where I'm going. Figured I'll deal with that once everyone is safe."[/say] Reaching up to pat the hand Kai's put on his shoulder, Koa squeezes gently but firmly, hoping his expression and the gesture communicate well enough that no, he's not mad, it's just kind of a lot.
A whiff of smoke catches his attention and Koa turns his head toward the source, grateful as fuck for any distraction from the awkward bombshell they really do need to diffuse. [say]"You smell that?"[/say] he asks, nodding toward the courtyard. There's no sign of fire among the plants, but in a corner tucked away he can see a pot of something dark and well-tended, and while most of the time Koa would much rather leave weird plants to their own devices, it offers him an easy out. [say]"Seems like someone left this guy behind."[/say] Stooping down, he picks the little pot up, holding it between them for Kai to also see. [say]"These are usually used in offerings, I think?"[/say] He has a vague memory of this being true, likely from Mateo trying to drill it into his brain.
RE: The sky is falling - Kaisel - 01-20-2026
He’s prepared for this response and has even worked up a (flimsy) defense to convince Koa otherwise. Not quite a powerpoint presentation level, but he’s happy to draw pictures if it’d help. There’s something to the ‘laugh’ that comes between them that makes him think better of it. [say]”Oh. Right,”[/say] he says with a delayed chuckle, feigning a sheepish realization that duty always comes first. That’s easier to push off than the truth that the strangeness that rears up between them is something he doesn’t know his way around. It stands like a stray dog firmly planted on a route that he’d once known so well he could walk it with his eyes closed, but now, now if he gets too close he sees teeth, and that wagging tail doesn’t seem so friendly as he’d like to believe.
[say]”This is why you’re the one we follow,”[/say] Kaisel compliments easily, falling back into the old habit of considering Koa his commander without even realizing the slip. His grasp leaves Koa’s shoulder after the pulse of touch, nocking behind his head in something nervous he tries to pass off as casual and carefree. His other hand joins it, fingers absently tugging at the blue hairtie on his wrist.
The band snaps a bit as he swings his whole body int he turn in order to follow Koa and see. [say]”Huh?”[/say] he murmurs, inhaling shortly thereafter and picking up on the same trail just as Koa spots the culprit. Definitely not a plantologist, Kaisel just shrugs, hands slipping into his pockets. [say]”Sounds right. Might as well bring it along, we’ve got the hands.”[/say] Who knows, maybe they’d find the concerned plant parent.
Scuffing a toe over the ground as he turns back the way they’d been going, his shoulders fold inward a touch. [say]”Well, I’m here for as long as I can be helpful, so really, if you need help, lemme know, otherwise I’ll pitch in at the skyport and catch up on the sights before…”[/say] He can’t really bring himself to say it, so he just trails off with a flick of his eyes and a one-shouldered shrug.
RE: The sky is falling - Koa - 01-21-2026
The distraction of leaves can only last so long, especially when neither party has much interest in botany, and soon enough the awkwardness engulfs them once again. Koa tries to make himself busy putting the plant in his bag; when that's done he turns to find Kai hunched over like a dejected puppy, and fuck does Koa hate himself for letting things get like this. Kai's got one foot out the door and Koa's half-tempted to let the rest of him follow, to continue kicking the can of their weirdness down the winding road. They're standing on a bridge together, but that bridge is made of sugar glass: a little bit of heat or some ill-placed pressure and they're liable to go tumbling into the abyss.
It's not even that yawning a distance between them. They just have to take the first step.
So Koa forces himself to do it, putting on a genuine, if tired, smile. [say]"Help'd be great."[/say] Fidgeting absently with the strap of his backpack, he casts his copper gaze around. [say]"Most stuff should be sorted here, but I still need to do a sweep through the armory and offices. Make sure nothing important has been left behind. Then we can swing back home to make sure Dad isn't trying to take his whole fucking workshop with him."[/say] He snorts fondly, shaking his head at the mental image of his father attempting to shove all his beloved saws into a bag.
Returning to Kai, Koa tilts his head in question, eyebrows wiggling suggestively. [say]"Aaaaaand then after, maybe we see if Rainey's still has some ice cream?"[/say]
RE: The sky is falling - Kaisel - 01-23-2026
Maybe things would have patched up sooner, smoother, if he hadn't immediately left this place, pretending like distance couldn't matter enough to stay him. Maybe if the city hadn't needed so much work, if Koa wasn't the type to pour all of himself into something, a bridge could have been built instead of space. Maybe if words didn't start a fight as easily as fists, if Kaisel wasn't the type to just say things and lead with tact, he could have offered understanding instead of anger and hurt. If they'd done any number of things differently, maybe they'd be better than this.
They hadn't though. Now they're stuck with this unfamiliar thing between them, the rough shape of it impossible to ignore, pressing in sharply whenever they get too near. Kaisel can feel the point of it now and wishes, not for the first time, that he'd approached Koa differently. Then, and now. He'd not change the root of it all, the Flora of it, so maybe no softer version could exist for Koa.
The offer of help is tossed out like a lifeline, and Kaisel's not too proud to grab hold of it. He glances up, brightening considerably, nearly radiant with the offer of ice cream. [say]"That sounds like a great plan...aaaaaaaalthooooough. Might be more strategic to get the ice cream first, for energy reserve replenishment and all. A tactical order of action, really."[/say] Deciding that what they need is less learning the shape of what sits between them, and more blazing a new trail, even if the brush stings a bit at first and you're unsure of where you're going, Kaisel drops some sprinkles on the moment.
[say]"ALSO! Did I tell you that I saw starwhales?! Even baby ones. And! I'm learning to sail, although Mel already had to save me once."[/say] His hands lead the conversation as much as his expressions, the only lingering one a lopsided smile. [say]"I also went to get a quest from Dygra, because I promised my friend Charlie I would, she's their priestess and we did a patrol together with her as a dragon mount!"[/say] The freshest news of all sits on the back of his tongue, ready and willing to be handed over to someone like Koa, the intensity of it burning a hole through him. He and Flora still hadn't decided though, and the grasp of the hairtie on his wrist is suddenly more noticeable than ever before. He has no intention of letting Jack's weight win out, not against Flora's, or ever again. He swallows it down with a smile instead.
RE: The sky is falling - Koa - 01-26-2026
There's a palpable weight that slides from Koa's shoulders when Kai's demeanor shifts, and Koa finds himself profoundly grateful for the universal language that is ice cream. He, too, lightens up considerably, his smile growing broad and sly as he taps the side of his nose playfully. [say]"I like the way you think, Ashborn."[/say] Whatever the jagged thing between them is, maybe the lubrication of a sugary snack is all they need to squeeze pass its ponderous bulk.
He clicks for Koa as Kaisel continues, eyebrows raising and [say]"Oh, wow"[/say]'s falling at appropriate moments in his cousin's tale. The thought of Mel saving anyone earns an incredulous snort: [say]"You mean Mel as in Melita? The Zombee? My personal poltergeist?"[/say] Koa shakes his head, though not without fondness. He can't quite imagine what saving looks like, coming from his chaotic friend. [say]"You know she's the one who filled the barracks with balloons that one time, right?"[/say] Mel's more the type to cause someone to need saving than to provide it, in the Dragoon's experience at least.
Sunlight breaks through as they leave the Nest, venturing toward the main road and town (and ice cream) beyond. It's nice, just chatting, catching up on everything that they've missed in each other's lives, but even so Koa is aware of the big Flora-shaped sinkhole they're skirting around. Tentatively, like someone testing the current in a river, Koa decides to put a toe into the danger zone, asking with an affected air of nonchalance: [say]"So... sounds like Torchline is treating you well? You're... pretty happy there, still?"[/say]
RE: The sky is falling - Kaisel - 01-27-2026
There's certainly truth to Koa's thinking about Melita, given she'd done quite the opposite of saving him during a grand skinny-dipping moment (yes, yes, his fault too). Kaisel wisely decides not to mention this, because while it's normally a tale worth telling his older cousin, given who he'd been swimming with, it seems better left off the recent adventures list. [say]"The one and the same,"[/say] Kaisel laughs, the sound deepening as Koa reveals her as the balloon bandit. [say]"That only makes it a million times better."[/say] Though gods, what a thought, that these barracks won't be standing much longer, and like the balloons floating away, it'll just be memory they hang onto. It sobers Kaisel a bit, the laughter fading away as they continue to walk out towards the main roads and the ice cream therein.
[say]"Yeah,"[/say] he continues, less airy with humor now than just the truth of the moment as he retells it. [say]"She saved me from being shipwrecked on an island in Torchline. I've been trying to learn how to sail, you see, and might have overestimated my current skill level."[/say] He shrugs, because ultimately he would have been fine with both channels up his sleeve then, but he is glad he could ride back on the Firecracker instead of with a spirit. This lends well to Koa's interest in his new home, and Kaisel pointedly doesn't try to lift up the nonchalance and look beneath it for what's been swept under. It's hidden for a reason.
[say]"Yeah, I got my desk and locker set up in an office there now, and it took a bit of getting used to, but I've settled in with their ranks now. Don't even get all the low man jobs anymore these days, and they've always let me join the groups of solldiers that get dispatched up here."[/say] It likely helps that Flora has a hand in the commands, but he won't be looking a gift horse in its mouth, thank you. [say]"Having sand everywhere has taken some getting used to,"[/say] he admits with a half-laugh, shaking his head as if sand might come tumbling free with the morion right now. [say]"It's everything I wanted,"[/say] he says after a moment, quieter, as if the truth of finding what he needed beyond these stones is difficult to admit to. He can't deny it though, and while he's always worn a smile as easy as anything else, there's a fullness to it now like never before. He's quiet for a minute, but carefully glances over at Koa as they walk, preparing a breath before letting it loose. [say]"I hope you'll visit, at least."[/say] It's a small, careful wish that he sets out there, hoping it's not so fragile it can't stand up on its own before Koa.
RE: The sky is falling - Koa - 01-31-2026
There's a fresh tightness that twists in Koa's heart as Kai describes his life now, how he's slotted himself into a new family of soldiers, found his way up a new set of ranks. A complicated ambivalence pulses through him, communicated by a small half-smile, a series of sidelong glances toward the animated cousin at his side. There's a sense of loss for the life he'd grown up knowing, of envy for what the younger Kai has managed to build in a time when Koa is most rudderless and at sea.
But as Koa listens to his baby cousin, the thing he feels most is pride. Pride for the man the boy has grown into, a man full of heart and earnestness and purpose. A man who wears sincerity like a badge of honor, who Koa has never known to hold a malicious thought in his (admittedly mostly vibe-filled) head. And when Kai admits that the life he has is everything he wanted, Koa pauses a moment before responding with just as much quiet sincerity: [say]"I'm happy for you, kiddo. Really. You've earned it all."[/say]
The road is dusty in the dry summer, and a low hum of voices and activity permeates the air as people mill and rush about, making their own preparations to start their new lives. Distracted momentarily as he watches a family pile into a cart, Koa misses the glance Kai throws him, though he catches the tentative question that follows. It's not the first time Kai's asked him to come to Torchline, not even the first time today, and this time Koa's not going to be a chickenshit. Turning to Kai fully, the Dragoon nods. [say]"I will. Once Stormbreak is cleared out and everyone is safe- I'll visit. I promise."[/say]
Then because he is firmly allergic to serious moments, he elbows Kai with eyebrows raised and adds: [say]"I mean, if nothing else I'll be there for the wedding. I am your best man, after all."[/say] It's something they promised each other years ago, sitting in their fort in the vines beneath the city, and for all that's happened between them and the changes they've gone through they'll always be those boys who grew up as brothers.
After all, Koa lost his mother. He almost lost his sister. He'll be damned if he's going to let himself lose any more kin.
RE: The sky is falling - Kaisel - 02-01-2026
A swell of joy rises so suddenly in response to Koa's words that for a moment Kaisel's footsteps feel too light to be natural. Gravity vanishes for a few strides, and his feet feel separate from him with the way the road turns into clouds. [say]"Thanks,"[/say] he beams in response, hands fitting together behind his head with a carefree nature as they go. [say]"That means a lot cuz."[/say] He has always been afraid to be considered a disappointment to any member of his family, and while he still struggles to fall in line with all their expectations and ideals, his ultimate goal is to do them all proud.
Koa has always seemed like the golden boy, and while Kaisel has never really had hope of achieving the same, he's ever tried to mimic the patterns of success Koa found. It's been a bit of a freefall breaking out of the mold even more, but he's let his heart guide him like a sail caught in the wind. He has always struggled to accomplish what Koa has, because he is not Koa. Finally being able to trust more in his own direction has made certain things easier. It's also made other things considerably more difficult, but Kaisel has rarely shied away from a challenge. This sort, the one that doesn't keep making his chest ache with an unease he can't shake, is much more manageable than all the slightly suffocating versions of before. The hairtie on his wrist presses in with a continuous presence, and it's that very one that has made the flip of his world feel like it's finally gone rightside up, however upsidedown it might look to his kin.
The offer Koa gives, threaded with the permanence of a promise, loosens the knot of worry still trying to braid itself around Kaisel. One of those newly difficult challenges. The grateful nod then turns into a belly laugh, deep with happiness and edged with only the faintest flicker of nerves. Suddenly, the hairtie on his wrist feels like it's biting. [say]"YEAH, exactly!"[/say] he crows out, squirming away from Koa's attack for a moment before leaning back in and returning fire with a knock of his own elbow towards the back of Koa's head, his still angled out like wings where his hands hold each other behind his head. He hopes to bury the flare of guilt at hiding something more from Koa by turning into familiar habits and motions.
Softer then, trying to parcel out what truths he can, Kaisel exhales steadily. [say]"It's gonna be soon, that I ask her, so I hope you have a suit that fits you."[/say] He glances sidelong at Koa, trying to measure how wounding that had been. [say]"I don't wanna do it without you,"[/say] he admits, quieter still. It's a boy's voice that says it, asking his braver, stronger, better older cousin to be there with him on a very important day.
Rolling his shoulders back suddenly in his own version of trying to shed this heavy cape they keep donning, he tilts into what he assumes will be a much easier and safer topic. [say]"Soooo, you and Soh?"[/say]
RE: The sky is falling - Koa - 02-02-2026
He's thrown the declaration like a stone into a frozen pond, it'll break the ice and fearing it might instead bounce back and smack him in the face. So to say that Koa is relieved by the former would be an understatement; he's fucking thrilled, ecstatic to see the crystals fracture and reveal oh-so-familiar waters into which he can freely cannonball.
[say]"How soon we talking about?"[/say] Koa asks pryingly, dodging the elbow that flaps his way like a chicken's wing. [say]"I think I have one, but I haven't worn it in... fuck, eight years now? Might have to get it let out a bit."[/say] He grimaces ruefully, flexing his back to demonstrate his musculature and the ways he's filled out. Peacocking? Yes, a little bit, but it's better than falling back into the things that they don't say.
But he softens considerably at Kai's next question, heart twisting in his chest. [say]"Yeah, well, you never would have had to,"[/say] Koa tells his cousin softly, the teasing bite smoothed at its edges by sincerity and love. [say]"We're family, Kai. You're my cousin- fuck, you're my brother, okay? Nothing breaks the bonds of family,"[/say] he asserts with the utmost conviction, grabbing Kaisel by the shoulder to pull into a half-hug. [say]"No matter what."[/say]
Ah, but then the conversation turns back to Koa's love life, or the utter lack thereof. With a grimace the Dragoon pulls himself back, withdrawing his hand from Kaisel's shoulder to bury within his hair. [say]"Pretty sure that ship has sailed,"[/say] he with a wry shake of his head. [say]"I, uh, I kinda ghosted her after Flora's party? Not on purpose - there was just so much going on with Noe and the Family and everything, and then all the work rebuilding, and I kept telling myself I'd reach out when things calmed down and I had my head on straight but I never seemed to have my head on straight. And then I went on my sabbatical and..."[/say]
He stops, inhaling through his nose and exhaling a heavy sigh. [say]"So yeah, I kinda screwed the pooch on that one. I'd be surprised if she even wants to see me after all this time."[/say]