Lake Rodney it's a sliver of glass; it is life, it's the sun

He didn't think anyone would hear, but Coltan's voice made him turn, sniffling. Oh, no, I'm— Not fine. And why did the way the young man talked seem so. . .familiar?

Must be the Bronco in him.

My friend—my brother, pretty much—Caracal. . .died. Killer didn't think the name would mean anything to the boy, but it felt wrong not to say it. His grief was not nameless nor wordless.

I wasn't there, he said, slightly muffled through a stuffy nose. Maybe I could have done something. He wasn't old, Coltan. But he's gone.

The invisible mantle 'round his shoulders was unbearably heavy, and he shifted, trying to cast it off. We grew up together where Brecheliant is settled now, Killdeer went on in explanation. Lots. . .lots of memories there. Just thinking of him tonight is all.