Stone Circle If I never knew you

Given the clear absence of Ezekiel's form and scent, Nanook could have guessed at her answer. Steph merely nailed a finality to her fears as the girl slammed shut her father's book, however opened she'd pried the cover. Her anger was justified. Nanook recognized the sharpness in Steph's voice and felt a stir of empathy.

She drew closer to her niece. "I understand," she said, while she frantically searched for what to say next. Nanook certainly wouldn't defend Ezekiel, heavens, or try to excuse him. The responsibility would be on his shoulders if he ever came about. So did she talk about feelings? Forgiveness? For the flash of a second, she mused how easy things had been when her social life had been restricted to stars and rocks - but the kids meant more to her now, and she imagined if she went back, she would never quite be as happy, knowing what she would be missing here. "You’re angry," she finally settled on, an opening for Steph to speak as she wished - though her own voice ran tentative, ready for correction, or anything, really.