The Sentinels Make the clock reverse

She listened in silence as Solenya spoke, feeling a little foolish for crying over an otter and all it had come to represent. Yet, there was comfort in her words, gentle, grounding. Kirain exhaled a soft, shaky sigh, giving a small nod before lifting a paw to wipe at her eyes.

I... I know, she murmured. It’s the cycle of life, the give and take. But knowing that doesn’t make it hurt any less. I understand I’m not in control. I do. I was just... so happy. And to have that stolen away... Her voice faltered, and she let out a tired, breathy laugh. I suppose I resent it, in some small, stubborn way.

Her gaze flicked to the flower Solenya had tucked gently behind her ear. Kirain was curious, what kind of flower it was, what it meant, but she didn’t dare disturb it. The delicate beauty perched atop someone like her? It felt undeserved. And yet... a strange, unexpected lightness stirred within her.