Theea
you lose yourself when the wind flows through your hair
you taste freedom as you fill your lungs with air
you taste freedom as you fill your lungs with air
I notice the blush—it’s impossible not to, with how pale Maea is—but I pretend I don’t. It makes something ease in me, though. I understand. My own self-esteem issues are different, more about who I am than how I look or my name, but shyness in the face of a compliment? That I get.
Ah, so she was one of the ones who changed during the war. The thought prickles at me, a twinge of apprehension I can’t quite stop from surfacing—but I wave it away as quickly as it comes. She seems too kind for that memory, too desperate to help the person she loves, too ready to accept me just for being kind. ”Sorry for asking. My dad says I’m as nosy as my mom is. I smile, but it’s more like a cringe. ”Which isn’t a compliment.”
My smile softens at the way she tucks the rose against her chest, though I don’t comment on it. Instead, I grin a little wider and say, “Sometimes it’s something as simple as holding a blanket in the rain so someone can light a candle at a grave.” Niki flickers through my thoughts, and I wonder if I should find him while I’m here to make good on my promise for his help.
I shift a little, my tone brightening as I answer her question. “I have before—when I was a kid—but not now. My mom, dad and I lived here for a while.” My grin turns wistful. “My nonna lived here too, but I never really knew her. She was so at home in this forest.”
I tilt my head, curious, hopeful. “Did you… know Vervain Calob at all?” I would love to hear more about her from just about anyone.
Ah, so she was one of the ones who changed during the war. The thought prickles at me, a twinge of apprehension I can’t quite stop from surfacing—but I wave it away as quickly as it comes. She seems too kind for that memory, too desperate to help the person she loves, too ready to accept me just for being kind. ”Sorry for asking. My dad says I’m as nosy as my mom is. I smile, but it’s more like a cringe. ”Which isn’t a compliment.”
My smile softens at the way she tucks the rose against her chest, though I don’t comment on it. Instead, I grin a little wider and say, “Sometimes it’s something as simple as holding a blanket in the rain so someone can light a candle at a grave.” Niki flickers through my thoughts, and I wonder if I should find him while I’m here to make good on my promise for his help.
I shift a little, my tone brightening as I answer her question. “I have before—when I was a kid—but not now. My mom, dad and I lived here for a while.” My grin turns wistful. “My nonna lived here too, but I never really knew her. She was so at home in this forest.”
I tilt my head, curious, hopeful. “Did you… know Vervain Calob at all?” I would love to hear more about her from just about anyone.
the time has stopped, your mind has set sail
the road is home, the stars will light the trail
the road is home, the stars will light the trail
