Arrow Lake Carry all your thoughts across an open field

Stag's eyes dropped as his mother turned around, facing him with inconsolable truth. He dared not look at the reality in her eyes -- for that meant, he would come face to face with a truth he was not yet ready to accept.

Takiyok's answer caused grave distress, though he hid it well by the tight line of his lips, which did not move despite the whimper that threatened to break past them. He didn't want to live in a world if his mama wasn't in it -- it wasn't fair.

"How come?" He finally forced from his tight throat, still looking at the ground with an unsteady gaze. How come she couldn't live for ever?