Cerulean Cape grog blossom

Every so often, he left the oppressive darkness of the woods. Not that he felt he deserved the light—but that he worried he'd be crushed under the combined weight of the gloom and his own intrusive thoughts. 

Yet, out here, he could see the mountains—and visualize all his failures.

Hex felt his breath coming short, panic setting in, and was about to dart back into cover when he saw the thin pale figure trawling the beach. He stepped sideways once, twice, then moved toward her with quick but uncertain steps, unsure of why he bothered.

His nostrils flared, seeking her scent. She had a slight tang of the woods, too—and recent at that. He gave her a chuff over the wind, coming close enough for speech, but—

Still far enough for any reservations. Whatcha doin'? the shadow asked her, curiosity getting the better of him.