Flycatcher Downs the veldt

it sounded like a lot.
to skuka, who had at one time been surrounded by the affection of cousins, or the attention of visitors of other tribes, she could only compare the man's idea of family to the constant hum of activity that such chaos might bring. she could not imagine trying to wrangle people the way a hunter might corral a herd.
when he turns the question back upon her she feels a stabbing in her heart; for as long as she has existed, it has always been in the company of her family. was she ever really alone? but she knew what he meant. there was no strong connection like the one he spoke of. except now that she had fled from her parents—her singular existence felt all the more isolating.
i have not thought about it. she begins to walk, inviting him with one look to join her, so they can talk and travel together. if he chooses to redirect their path, she will easily flow alongside.
i have many aunts and uncles, and they have children. i do not think i have ever been lonely... but my time has always been at my mother's side. which is what made her dispersal so painful. to go was hard, but to go without a word—! that was such a betrayal and she did not deserve to see her mother or father again, not after doing that to them. or so she told herself, often.
where will you go to look? she asked this plainly, swallowing a strange sort of guilt.