Rosewater Oasis papa was a rolling stone

he left the day after funeral rites for his mother.

radha had been laid to rest with all the care in the world. he'd have left sooner, but she'd gotten sick. he'd seen it, and vowed he wouldn't depart her side until she was gone. he stuck to that promise.

surya entered the oasis as a shell of the man he could have been. born with such promise—even as a bastard. such joy and zest for life.

like a candle at bedtime, that flame had been snuffed out. all that remained was flesh and bone—

and anger. that had never left him, at least.

the agouti wolf slaked his thirst at one of the pools, drinking greedily. it had been a ways to travel, and he knew he wasn't done yet. maa had told him aditya spoke to her of the sea; until he reached that shore, he must continue on.

and what if he slips through your grasp, as he has so many others?

not like he hadn't asked himself that before. he simply wouldn't allow it to happen. he'd find the man or die on his paws trying.

and then. . .

surya stared empty-eyed at his visage in the rippling water, droplets falling from his chin.