Hushed Willows sister of pearl

brilliance buries into delight, listening to the promise of food. she wants it, she’s hungry, but her stomach churns at the sudden thought. her mouth waters and she licks her lips, turning away when mali approaches. she’s so tired. she could sleep for days, probably.
 
mali stands protectively nearby, too, until their father shuffles him away and makes room for the strange woman to look at her. pale eyes dart up and she pulls back even more, lips curling to show her teeth. dry gums over missing or broken baby teeth. olive doesn’t get too close, at least, so when she pulls away, brilliance relaxes a little. the adults speak over her and she doesn’t bother to listen, glancing up to delight and watching him.