Qeya River sparrow's sorrow

i always have time. <3

kivaluk looks up at his mother's approach, footfalls of his patrol giving pause in the wake of her capturing his attention. he patrols through the confusing tangled webs of emotions; trying his best to process them. but they are heavy, big emotions and unlike anything he's experienced before.

it is easier to push them aside instead of facing them head on, as he does as she draws nearer and her question hangs in the air between them.

no, he replies quietly after a small moment; trying to put on a brave face. hoping he is succeeding at least a little bit. what's that mean?