Shimmering Sands chugux ✴

if only the sea could swallow her, send some spirit from its depths to end her own. kukutux rose on shaking limbs, approaching first with one steps, and then another. the embrace of the cold water lay savior just beyond her reach, but soon she would be there, and soon the unending lacerations upon her soul would be felt no longer.

a man's voice unfurled behind her, halting the tearstained girl in her self-destructive tracks. kukutux drew a shuddering breath before turning halfway to glance at him: a spindly creature the colour of the forest floor. and while he asked after her well-being, the duck doubted he cared.

yet she lifted her chin all the same, blinked the bitter salt from her eyes with some rigid pride. "i will be all right."

a lie, if anything.