Horizon Ridge pride comes before the fall

If Pied hadn't felt like death warmed over, she might have teased Akhlut about his endless optimism. She appreciated it, though. With so much negativity in her life at present, she found his positive attitude refreshing. She clung to it, inwardly reminding herself of what he'd just said aloud: Dublin will make sure I have the best possible chance...

Her eyes shimmered still when he mentioned dappled puppies running on the beach, then the tears began to brim at his final comment, which was decidedly less hopeful than all the rest, even if he meant well by it. Pied sniffled, trying to fight back the urge to cry, if for no other reason than it would hurt and badly. There was also the fact that she didn't want to look any more weak and broken down in Akhlut's presence than she already did.

"I hope you're right." Then, because she needed yet another nugget of hope to feed her broken spirit, she asked, "Do we... do we have your formal blessing, then?" Her watery eyes sought his again, now shining expectantly, with the occasional tear leaving a silver streak down her pale cheek.