Wheeling Gull Isle All this sand but only one grain changed me

It seemed that as far as pessimism went, she had competition. She watched him, feeling his words reach out, pry her ribs open, drive themselves deep within her heart. She knew those sentiments all too well. And she'd never be able to get her point across to him, because she couldn't even get it across to herself.

Maegi nodded, wordless as he gave his leave and began to walk away. Her eyes followed his retreating mottled form.

Then, with a sigh, she turned and continued on the path toward Mou. Her husband was a complicated creature, but, Jaes bless him, a quiet one. Language could be so confounding, and she found solace in their wordless connection; nothing need be spoken between them if their eyes could meet and their bodies could touch.

Her pawsteps were the only nearby sound, and soon, there was nothing here to hear but the distant surf.