when grief strikes

'Cause they took your loved ones
But returned them in exchange for you

Relief for his friend trickled in as Zavien described Soh's reaction to his struggles, and Liam's gaze softened once more. "That's how I feel about Maea," he admitted. Every day, he thanked his lucky stars for his partner, who had been so supportive and understanding of even the worst parts of him.

Waving off Zavien's thanks, Liam offered a small smile. "I hope it helped," he said. "It gets easier with time. Most days, I can look back on the time I spent with my family and smile. You caught me on a good day." Then his smile faded, realizing that it was only a half-truth, these days. Now that he knew Wren was alive, everything was different, and he still wasn't quite sure what to do with all of those feelings. Maybe they, too, would get better with time - and action, which he was determined to pursue.

At some point during their conversation, their food had been delivered; now it sat in front of them, growing colder by the second. Liam picked up a lukewarm fry. "I... never apologized for leaving so abruptly from Tanau's festival," he said slowly. "I'm sure it seemed... strange."

But would you have it any other way?
You couldn't have it any other way

Liam