Sun Mote Copse It’s been a long day without you, my friend.

Njord made a macabre, comical sound with a shrug of his shoulders as if to say easier said than done. Perhaps Meerkat wouldn’t look, but Njord was sure if Ray caught wind his brother was nearby that he would be gone in a flash. After all, it’s what younger Njord would have done if he were in his son’s shoes.

Do you want to tell her? Or do you want me to tell her?

Njord wished he didn’t feel fear.

-“Ah’ll tell her,”- he replied. Because, well… that’s just what a devoted partner did. The alternative was unimaginable to Njord, however much he loathed to see his wife despair.

-“Dinnae go far, though, hmm?”- he asked, wanting Towhee’s support.