am i right side up or upside down

Flora

They’re close enough now that the water barely moves between them, and Flora lifts a hand to brush a few pale strands of Soh’s hair back from her cheek, the gesture slow and careful, like she’s handling something already cracked. Her nod is small but weighted. I "don’t think any of you would ever really be ready," she says softly, a sad smile tugging at her mouth even as it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Ready is such a clean word for something that rips this much out of you.

For a moment she just looks at her, thumb resting lightly near Soh’s temple, taking in the hollowed tiredness that no amount of healing water can touch. Then, inevitably—because grief doesn’t stop her from being herself, because sometimes it’s easier to step sideways than stare straight at the wound—Flora tilts her head. "I kind of thought Koa might’ve come with you," she admits, tone gentle but curious, gaze flicking up through her lashes. "What with Noe and Kai being here and all."

One brow lifts, just slightly, the familiar glimmer of mischief peeking through the sadness like sunlight through stormclouds. "Does that mean you and him are...over, or..?"

I hope you're sweating the bigger stuff,
finding some peace in an honest love
Hope you stop when you've had enough & throw the towel in

Code stolen from Queen Sky