Duck Lake Through the boughs of the garden

Atreus had never really known motherly love, though when Amalia promised to visit him and offered some last-minute advice, his insides felt warm. He still felt like squirming, though he realized Amalia actually cared about him. That was why she fed him, taught him how to feed himself and otherwise looked out for him.

His throat suddenly felt tight and he wanted to ask her not to go. Couldn’t she stay here with him? When she pressed her muzzle to his shoulder, Atreus leaned into it this time. He did shy away when she touched his head, shrinking back from such intimacy.

Of course, he couldn’t ask her to stay, any more than Atreus felt he could go. Anyway, he couldn’t speak. He nodded to acknowledge her parting words, then turned back to watch the ducks.