Bearclaw Valley round town

Cole huffed, the corner of his mouth twitching in something that wasn’t quite a smirk, but close enough.
Y’have no idea, kid.
His voice was rough, edged with something knowing, something tired. He shifted his weight slightly, stretching one leg out before shaking some of the stiffness from it.
Been at this tree since dawn. His golden eyes flickered toward the branches overhead, like he was considering something unspoken before settling his gaze back on her. But Bearclaw… almost six moons now.
A long damn time. Long enough to feel like he was part of it, like he had roots in the valley. Long enough that the ghosts hadn’t followed quite as close as they used to.
He exhaled, slow and steady, then glanced at her again.
You? A simple question, same as hers. But his tone carried something quieter beneath it—an openness, maybe. Like he wouldn’t mind hearing the answer.