Phoenix Maplewood I don't feel connected to all of your lies.

The yearling absently brushed some debris from his fur as his attention remained riveted upon Etienne. He didn’t seem particularly embarrassed to be caught in such a vulnerable moment, nor did he try to pretend that he was okay. Cambria marveled at his candor. He wanted to know so much more, though only if Etienne wanted to share.

Do you want to talk about it?

He had never been a particularly talkative wolf and he certainly didn’t like small talk very much. But he liked to listen. Often, he learned this way. But this wasn’t a teachable moment, so to speak. He offered his ears for Etienne’s benefit, hoping he could lift some of the invisible weight sagging his—Cambria couldn’t help notice they were nicely chiseled—shoulders.