Larksong Grotto There's a struggle coming

It was unfair for her to invalidate his experiences, because he was right - they were in this together. Tavi couldn't see that right now, though. She could only focus on the way she felt in the moment; she couldn't breathe, her body felt bloated and different in ways that made her own skin feel alien, and everything was just so wrong. The girl did not move as Reek came closer. She felt his head slide upon her shoulder and chose to focus on that connection to get herself through the sense of overwhelming panic — and it worked for the most part. Gradually her breathing came under control, the racing of her heart giving way to a steady beat. Her lungs and chest felt pinched and painful, but that was not uncommon for such a situation.

Once she had conquered the entirety of the attack, Tavi lifted her head. It felt heavy - still woozy - but the pressure she had felt squeezing her from all sides was less intense now, and fading. After a few minutes of silence she sluggishly pulled herself to her feet and leaned upon Reek, but eventually just slumped back again, sitting awkwardly with him as her support. Tavi wasn't the same chipper self she had been in the Maplewood — maybe that was to be expected — but now she looked absolutely defeated. She was tired, she was hollow, and in the coming weeks things would just get worse.

In the back of her mind she thought, when these kids arrive, maybe I'll kill them.

Strangely, that brought a sheen to her eyes. The hardness was still there, the rigidity in her body, but her face softened as she silently wept for herself. Her nose began to run, and after sniffling for a handful of minutes, she whispered Reek's name, and sullenly asked, Please go. I need to be alone.