Wheeling Gull Isle and i'm here to remind you

The hardest part of her existence was learning that filling her belly was easier than filling her heart.

Crustaceans and fish; she was able to eat well. But she was alone, beyond Heda. And even though Heda was such a warm, welcoming presence, it wasn't enough.

Blueberry was alone. Like she so often had been.

She walked along the beach, looking back to see her pawprints in sand washed away by the frigid waves. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight.

She loved the island more than anything, because the island had been more constant than any other being. It was here. It was present. It was alive—and would be, even more, when the trees and plants bloomed with the spring.

She sank down into the surf, letting the foam ripple over her legs and belly and chest.

he had felt he had failed them all.

@Heda most of all, but they had discussed staying. so bartholomew could not be swayed away. not by his guilt, not by his failure. for once he stayed when things had become bad.

yet he knew not what the others beyond his once advisor thought of him.

so it was then he spotted blueberry, melancholic among the coast, that he wondered if she cared much for his company anymore. he would not force it upon her.

prepared to leave at even the ficklest of glances his way.