The Heartwood Well, nobody's perfect

The fact that June seemed like she couldn't care less whether or not she was included in things infuriated Charon. Why didn't she care about these things? Everyone cared about being included and getting attention, which meant that so should stupid little childish June! Maybe it was because she realised how stupid and insignificant she was and just had a lot of self-knowledge, or maybe she was just being a little weirdo. Charon didn't know which was worse.

Charon was distracted when Dhole confirmed being a Naturalist apprentice, like himself (but he, of course, never told anyone he was 'just' an apprentice; he just told them he was a Naturalist). "I became a Naturalist because the stars appealed to me when I was younger," Charon explained, "So I wanted to know all about 'em. Hey, if you ever want to learn about the stars, you can visit Stavanger Bay at night, and I can teach you." The invitation was extended specifically to Dhole, although by now June had gone and wandered right through the middle of their conversation -- ruuude! -- so she probably caught the hint that it wasn't for her. He imagined Dhole would be interested in this, since she was also a Naturalist and all.

While June was inspecting some plant or whatever, Dhole went and got herself covered in ash. Charon stood and watched, not really sure what to think of all of this. He loved playing, but now he was all grown up and he couldn't really waste time out here rolling in ashes.

Dhole brought up the dad subject again. For a moment, Charon considered bringing up how dead his was again to show his unappreciation for her bringing up the subject again, but he didn't. He probably would've if it had been June who spoke up about it. He didn't like June. But Dhole was alright, y'know, for her age and all that. "Cool," said Charon, but he soon found himself staring at the ashes and wondering what he needed to do to look more like his dad, if anything. He found himself realising that he didn't even remember what his father looked, sounded or even smelled like at all anymore, then.