Duskfire Glacier Ommatik

Part of her hoped Issorartuyok would abruptly change tack at this critical moment, pressing against her and declaring his undying love. Of course, that was absurd. Besides, that wasn't who he was and much as Meerkat pined for it, she knew he shouldn't change for her, just like she shouldn't change for him.

When he turned and left, she wanted to call after him. Instead, Meerkat's shoulders shook as she let the heartache subsume her. It left her a mess, inside and out, and as soon as she had the presence of mind for it, she crawled into the nearest hole to die.