Wapun Meadow through it all

His pace quickened and then slowed, then ceased entirely as his legs stiffened and refused another step. The mound of earth acquired features he could not ignore, the closer he got. What he could previously assume was just his eyes playing tricks on him with the help of shadows and light turned into a coat of fur, ruddy in colour. What was a distortion of the ground just moments ago took shape into something—someone—he would always recognise; those smaller lumps of mud became ears, limbs, a face. “Indra…?” he whispered, trying simultaneously to convince himself otherwise. But he knew deep down, even before getting a closer look, that it was Indra. Everything matched, every detail undeniable. All that was missing was the steady rise and fall of her sides, her lively stare, her life—

What happened?

Alexander was numb as he approached, not even able to tell that he was moving again until he was suddenly standing before the living sister, eyes locked on the fallen. Closer now he could smell it, the scent of death clinging mercilessly to her body—his friend’s body. “Laurel,” was all he managed to choke out, now staring at her. He wanted to ask what had happened, who had taken her, but knew she wasn’t the one to ask. But was there anyone? Had anyone seen? Why hadn’t anyone helped her? He was absorbed by all these questions, grasping for any reasoning his brain could concoct and supply him with, but none of it was enough. None of it would ever be enough.

The pounding in his chest migrated up to his head without any resistance, deafening and hurtful—but maybe he deserved it, for not being there to protect her, to prevent this. It was as if he’d drifted into a state of unconsciousness, absent in mind and running off of autopilot. He didn’t notice that he was shaking, couldn’t feel the tremble in his legs or the warm wetness seeping from his eyes. Another friend, gone. Another one he couldn’t protect. He sought the only one that still remained, the last one he had—and reached forward to touch her, seeking reassurance that she was still there, she was still alive, and offering what comfort he could provide.