Hushed Willows Blood Bank

I'm so sorry for the wait! I revived this for this reply, but we can definitely archive here if you prefer since it's been so long!

What followed was a long and painful stretch of time for Stingray.

He had never witnessed the way an adult unraveled. Oh, he had been present for all of Meerkat's grief when Njord disappeared, but she had hidden it well from her children. Her sobs had been quiet at night and she had swiped away the tears when they might see. There had been other outlets for her emotions, and Stingray had been a fairly young boy. Most adults were composed. Nothing seemed to touch them.

This was wholly different.

From where he was tucked against his father's side, he couldn't see the way that grief stretched and tore at Njord's features, but Ray could feel every rattle and shake that coursed through him. He could feel the rapid pace of his da's breathing, his sides rising and falling so fast that Stingray was certain he would soon pass out from the lack of proper air. The man's sorrow crashed through him and spilled over into his son, who began to tremble as well. Tears pricked his eyes and anguish filled his lungs.

It came to an end eventually, but by then, Stingray was filled with distress about the disappearance of his brother, the fear that everyone he had known was going to die, and the loss of a life that was once peaceful if not always comfortable. When Njord spoke, Stingray needed to hear it more than anything in the world, and a shuddering sob broke his lips.

Love you too, da.