save your fears for tomorrow

JUNIPER

you think i'm happy because i'm smiling,
but it's the easiest thing to do

Juniper was glad to receive Hotaru's letter; after having to tell Deimos that she'd seen no sign of Hotaru, it set Juniper's mind at ease. Whatever politics might fall between them, Juniper felt relieved to know that Hotaru had made it safely out of Halo, given her condition.

Now, as Juniper approached Hotaru, it was with a smile at the sight of the babies. So she'd come through childbirth safely, another relief. Coming to sit down with Hotaru, Juniper said, "Hello, Hotaru. I hope you -- and your children -- are well."

The conversation might end up turning to hard subjects, but it didn't have to start out that way.

if you looked a little closer,
you'd find my eyes aren't smiling too.

table by Skylark