Theea
I hesitate, eyeing her warily, waiting for judgement—call it a habit from my mother—but she looks so sincere. I sigh and nod, lips pressing together as I think about it. “Yeah,” I say, voice softer. “It’s been harder than I thought it would be.” It’s lonely, crying at night for a mother you left on purpose. I pick a piece of bread from the half of a loaf that’s left. “She’s been my whole world for so long. But maybe this way we’ll both get a chance to grow. Even if it sucks.”
I huff out a quiet breath and swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. Damn. Didn’t expect this today. I glance at the sky like maybe I can spot the sails of the skyships. The idea of getting to Torchline, of finally meeting them, even going to hang out with Flora—it buzzes under my skin in a way that’s more exciting than scary now.
“I think she’s right too,” I add, flicking my gaze back to Elizabeth. “Torchline’s the safest place for me, and with all those ships going everywhere, I’ll find one. Might have to get my hands dirty, but hard work doesn’t scare me. I’m kinda looking forward to it.” Though a luxury ride sure would be nice. I flash a quick smile, grateful for her concern. “Don’t worry, I’m good at landing on my feet.” Then I remember my fall just a bit ago, and I add a quiet laugh. “Usually. If I don’t, I’ll just pretend I meant to trip anyways. Like with the flower—had to trip or I’d crush it!”
It feels easier to breathe when I’m making light of things. The road ahead is still huge and a little terrifying, but... that’s part of why I’m doing it.
My grin softens into something a little more shy. "I'd really like to visit your office too, sometime. If you don’t mind."
I huff out a quiet breath and swallow past the sudden lump in my throat. Damn. Didn’t expect this today. I glance at the sky like maybe I can spot the sails of the skyships. The idea of getting to Torchline, of finally meeting them, even going to hang out with Flora—it buzzes under my skin in a way that’s more exciting than scary now.
“I think she’s right too,” I add, flicking my gaze back to Elizabeth. “Torchline’s the safest place for me, and with all those ships going everywhere, I’ll find one. Might have to get my hands dirty, but hard work doesn’t scare me. I’m kinda looking forward to it.” Though a luxury ride sure would be nice. I flash a quick smile, grateful for her concern. “Don’t worry, I’m good at landing on my feet.” Then I remember my fall just a bit ago, and I add a quiet laugh. “Usually. If I don’t, I’ll just pretend I meant to trip anyways. Like with the flower—had to trip or I’d crush it!”
It feels easier to breathe when I’m making light of things. The road ahead is still huge and a little terrifying, but... that’s part of why I’m doing it.
My grin softens into something a little more shy. "I'd really like to visit your office too, sometime. If you don’t mind."
cause we waited years and years
just to make it worth the tears
to find out that we're not in this alone
so keep your head up high in these hours of the night
so when atlas drops the world on your shoulders, you still won't fall
