Swiftcurrent Creek A sons grief

He grimaced as Etienne listed all his losses. How could he remain so optimistic in the face of them? Cambria didn’t understand it, though he marveled at it. Etienne definitely had a much bigger heart than he did.

I’ve never even known love like that, he murmured, and I could barely handle it when my pack vanished. If I let myself care about someone that much and anything happened… Eti, it would destroy me. I’m not like you.

There was only respect in his tone, admiration in the soft look on his face. Cambria bit at his lip, glancing at Etienne’s own face before pulling his mismatched eyes away again. He gazed distantly at the creek for a moment.

Not that I would ever change anything about you, he said, turning back, but can’t you understand how I feel? Why I don’t want to go through losing everyone? My life and my heart may not be as full as yours, Eti, but this way, nobody can ever break it.