how do I mourn what never lived

Elizabeth

The raw emotions on Maea's face were something that gave her hope. People who didn't try or didn't want to try, didn't often have such a light burning in their eyes. Yet her shoulders had set, and a determination formed in her brows. Elizabeth encouraged her with a warm smile. "If that's the case, Maea, I think you're already on the right track." It was the first step of many, but a step, nonetheless. 

The near-apology elicited a dismissive shake of her head. "I assure you, I enjoy listening to people. Even though it's part of my job, I do it because I want to." The shimmer in her brown eyes said as much, rejuvenated by the complex conversation, and the transformation because of it. Her smile softened from playful to genuine as she said softly, "So... if you ever need to talk again, I'm always available and would love to see how you're doing." As she did with anyone she spoke with, it gave her a sense of satisfaction and purpose to see that their conversation had made a difference in their life. It told her that the words meant more than just nonsense. 

Tilting her head, she worked on finishing the half-eaten croissant still in front of her. "What will you do first?" With this new mindset and purpose. Where would it take the Ancient?

Dive into the sea of thought,
and find there pearls beyond price.