Larksong Grotto There's a struggle coming

His response made her laugh, which she hadn't done in what felt like ages. The moment was quick though. The laughter thin and fading in the dark. Oh, so you graduated from ass-muncher to bug-muncher? Solid upgrade. She nodded her head once in a gesture of commendation, and turned to watch him; but once the words left her mouth and she was left with nothing more to say, Tavi went awkwardly silent again. She was tense, and couldn't keep up with the silliness for long.

Recognizing the lack of enthusiasm within herself — and his sorrowful expression, which even in the dark of the cavern was easily witnessed — Tavi looked down at the ground again. She murmured another weak apology, a dull I'm sorry, as if she hadn't said that enough since coming home. She breathes in the musty air and slowly lets it out as she adds, a bit louder, I can't do this.