Hoshor Plains We picked up the shards and formed them into shapes of stars

"It's like looking at your reflection in the water," Easy suggested, though she felt it was much more complex an issue than this: "You'll never be able to see yourself as well as you can someone you look at directly. I can see you, as you can see me, without that pesky filter. It's just a matter of trusting your loved ones when they tell you what you look like."

Her tail thumped in quiet commiseration as Sumac contemplated his fears and desires. It was so hard to move on when the past was so bright and cheerful. When the world had already proved to have nasty surprises hiding in wait. The urge to shut her metaphorical eyes in anticipation of the next jump-scare was one that'd plagued her since she was very young — and it had taken a long time for her to reach this place of acceptance.

But the truth was: she was still so very afraid.

Perhaps Sumac would see this in her eyes as she gazed at him. It was an undercurrent beneath that maternal warmth and sparkle of mischief that ever-present smirk that hovered around the corners of her mouth, but it was there. It was as much a part of her as her confidence. As much a part of her as her love for him.

The black bear sat up, shifting to press her side to Sumac's. She looked up at his stars again, her chest heavy despite the bright sparks of light and happiness that still existed in her life. She sang,

"Ooh child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh child, things'll get brighter
Some day, yeah,
we'll put it together and we'll get it undone
some day when your head is much lighter
some day, yeah
we'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day when the world is much brighter..."

Shall we fade soon and have another?