Phoenix Maplewood every tree a memory

the words didn't bring any sort of relief, only more confusion. first dawn, and now sunny. they had both offered no anger, only thoughtful acceptance. after what he had done?! they were either ignorant of details of what had transpired at undersea, or—perhaps worse—they were bigger, better souls than he was, willing to forgive and let go. that was both demoralizing and disturbing, to him.

sunny stepped forward with a question in his eyes, and aditya stepped back, jaw firming. aren't you angry with me? he asked, a little bit of heat in his voice. you know, right? what i did. who i hurt. i know you, sunny; i simply can't believe that this is how i'm received by wolves i've abandoned, wolves i've hurt.

he wasn't looking for a fight, though it would have felt better than this. . .pity. that was it, he felt a lot of pity in the situation, and aditya much preferred being loathed to being pitied.