"Korbin, you don't have to be friends with anyone you don't want to." It sounded like such a simple concept, but it was true. Even if other people wanted his attention, approval, or friendship, it could not be forced. If Korbin truly didn't want the connections, he didn't have to have them. While Noah thought it was beneficial to have those relationships, he also knew he didn't have to shove what he thought down the raven's throat. "There aren't a lot of times in this life I think it is okay to be selfish," He leaned forward again, unable to stay still in his seat as he spoke, "but when it comes to protecting your heart, I think it is okay to be selfish." He knew the words he was saying might even bring Korbin to sever their relationship, Noah still would not force it on him.
Noah wanted Korbin in his life. He appreciated the raven. His humor, his company, his ideas. He had always been closer with Zeke than with Noah, but with the younger Olson venturing the world, Noah had been able to spend more time with him. It seemed, though, that Zeke and Korbin shared the same desire--to go. Why hadn't his younger brother invited the raven along on his journey? Probably because he knew he would have said no--he had no reason to leave before Weaver's death.
"What's stopping you?" Noah asked him, genuinely wanting to know the answer. If Korbin didn't want all of these people pressing into his life, why had he not flown away yet and left them all with only memories of the Hale family?
