Big Salmon Lake Stale air and dead parades

There was absolutely no way she was going to let him make the trip on his own; she was still recovering from the last time he had done that. She knew she shouldn't worry so much or insist on going with him, but she hadn't been able to bear the thought of spending more time in those woods without him, waiting and wondering if he was going to come back this time. Did he really blame her? Could anyone? She had watched him almost die after weeks of fearing exactly that, and with how things tended to go for her, she couldn't help but feel like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

She was also quiet, which meant she noticed his silence, as well. He seemed tense and stressed, and Taki wished she could do something to help. The silence between them continued on for some time, both seemingly lost in their own thoughts, but eventually, she couldn't ignore the urge to soothe him. There had been some space between them as they walked, and Taki shifted over so that their shoulders touched as they moved. Her nose brushed his jaw briefly and she rested her concerned gaze on his face. Are you okay? she asked softly. Maybe he would want to talk while they made their towards Lunaria's pack.