Ankyra Sound Home is only a stones throw

Her brother pulled away, and she felt her hope fail, knowing already that he'd found some excuse to stay away. She recoiled, mouth opened in a surprised 'o' when he felt that he might be potentially unwelcomed and she shook her head vigorously, but did not interrupt. The words sat just behind her teeth, and she pursed her lips to keep them in and listen to his full story. 

She exhaled slowly, allowing some of the pressure to release. "Etiiiii," She said softly, reaching out to nuzzle his cheek. She would forgive his absence, as it had been caused by his need to help and heal others. "You be a natural caregiver," She praised softly, but in spite of how proud she was of him, she missed him fiercely. "But you know- Maman would never be angry wid you for goin', especially not if she fin' out you be helpin' someone." She said. She uttered a small, sad laugh. "She would be so 'appy to see you, I promise..." She said. 

Still, he seemed to loathe the idea of leaving his injured friend for very long. "Tell you what...I will tell Maman you be alright, hmm? She should know, Eti. An' it will make her so happy...An' once your friend is better, you come visit?" Perhaps if he wasn't ready to come home now, he might be, soon.