we're always running scared but holding knives
Isla follows Fern's gaze to the band of gold cast along the floor by the window, and as the girl glances up at her she offers an encouraging nod, squeezing her shoulders before releasing her to explore. The Remedy isn't far behind, rest assured, careful not to let her shadow fall where Fern is admiring the play of light and darkness, and as she stoops and crouches the Remedy can't wipe the smile from her face. "This is my favourite spot too," she says. "I would hold you here a lot, because of the view out to the sea." Gesturing towards the window and the balcony beyond, Isla is about to call for Ever again when his voice echoes back to them, framed by her name.
She doesn't speak immediately as he arrives in the living room, giving him the space and time needed for an adjustment as colossal as this one. Only when he seems to settle does she realise she's been holding her breath and biting the inside of her cheek, stepping around the fall of light to him as he moves closer. "It didn't seem necessary any more," she says almost tentatively. "I'm sorry for not saying anything. I just... I could see everything getting on top of you. I'd rather skip a few steps and keep our family whole and healthy."
Gazing back to Fern and beaming at the girl, she holds out an arm for her. "And besides," Isla adds, "she's still just as perfect now as when we left."
She doesn't speak immediately as he arrives in the living room, giving him the space and time needed for an adjustment as colossal as this one. Only when he seems to settle does she realise she's been holding her breath and biting the inside of her cheek, stepping around the fall of light to him as he moves closer. "It didn't seem necessary any more," she says almost tentatively. "I'm sorry for not saying anything. I just... I could see everything getting on top of you. I'd rather skip a few steps and keep our family whole and healthy."
Gazing back to Fern and beaming at the girl, she holds out an arm for her. "And besides," Isla adds, "she's still just as perfect now as when we left."
Isla
