Redhawk Caldera Although it hurts me so

Hotah flinched at her words, the sting sharp and immediate. His jaw tightened, breath catching before he corrected her, quiet but firm.

Missing, he said. He’s missing.

His gaze held hers, steady and aching all at once. He’s my son too.

He didn’t interrupt after that. He listened as she spoke, every word landing heavy, every loss stacking until it made cruel sense. When she finished, he drew a slow breath, grounding himself.

I hear you, Hotah said softly. I do.

A pause, then a question, not a challenge. An opening.

So… you want to leave? he asked. Where would you go?