and I don't wanna let them down

// I tried to scream but my head was underwater //

The plea in his voice twisted in her gut like a knife. Touched by the way he cared as much as it pained her to hear his bleak predictions, Maea extended a hand for him, palm up; it wouldn't be a pleasant experience to share her emotions now, but if he wished to she would accept him.
"And if I don't go back, I am a coward who can't face the consequences of my actions," she returned, with a weary smile. "How about a compromise then? I'll only talk to Danta, and not try to seek out Asta. And depending on what is said... I'll decide whether to stay or come here. Alright? I just can't... disappear. Not after everything he's done for me." Not after he had asked her to stay. Thanked her, even, for not leaving. She couldn't remember when anyone expressed that to her last.

Sighing, she stretched her shoulders to at least try and ease some tension. "I'm sorry too. And grateful to you, for listening. And for speaking your mind. The honesty... I really needed it." She didn't mind bluntness, or harsh truths. Knowing it came from a place of caring made all the difference - which was another lesson and realization she made today.

Maea

// They called me weak, like I'm not just somebody's daughter //