when it's dark out

Sohalia

Upon hearing Lena's soft, calm voice, tears welled up once more in Sohalia's eyes. It had been so long since she had felt... mothered, she supposed, though that perhaps wasn't the right word. There was just something soothing about her new friend's voice. Sniffling slightly, Sohalia tried a watery smile. "I'm Sohalia," she said, taking the proffered hand. "It's nice to meet you. And Mittens," she added, not wanting to be rude, even if she had no idea what Mittens was, exactly.

Withdrawing her hand, she smoothed her skirts and looked out over the still waters of the estuary, taking a moment to compose herself. Part of her wanted to offer an explanation for her distress, but Lena was a perfect stranger. It wouldn't be polite to drop her worries on someone else's lap, much less someone she knew hardly at all. So, with a deep breath, she turned her gaze back to Lena, determined to find something to be cheerful about. "I... hope you don't mind me asking, but what is Mittens, exactly?"

and that's the hope I have
the only thing I know that's keeping me alive