Bearclaw Valley and heaven knows,

His words burned a hole in her heart. There was always a 'but', wasn't there? Her brow furrowed.

Frederick, you make me feel so completely selfish. She sighed, shaking her head. Why is it that they mean so much to you? More than me? Her eyes were pleading, searching his. Your brother I understand, but why can't you look for him here?

Her thoughts pooled out of her before she could stop them, her eyes welling with tears. She felt childish now.

For all she knew Frederick may never find his brother. She would never be given the life she had been promised, left waiting for him forever. She would grow old, never to have a family of her own and instead becoming bitter as she continued to raise the children of other's.

The thought only made her sob, redirecting her stare to the ground.