Wheeling Gull Isle they are two alone

Busied temporarily with cleaning, Mou took the moment to look over the other children. He ruminated over what to say as he visited with them, and then when they shifted to a distracted game among one another he had an answer.

Only to show him where to sleep. He said dismissively, distracted by other worries.

As... difficult, as having him here... It is good. Which was hard for Mou to express. He did not know his brother at all, only remembering his name and the vague memory of the caldera at best. Towhee was the one who stuck out most among those who had denounced him; they were her teeth that took his voice away after all.

I worry. Need more. Too many mouths and bellies, not enough of us. He meant adults, hunters. The weariness of many hours of work wore upon Mou now, as he deflated against the den floor.