Lost Creek Hollow only suffering can teach

it seemed both an eternity and such a short time before his mother came upon him. at the sound of her footfalls, merrick turned to regard the woman who had given him life with the cool copperburn of his eyes. she seemed at once so very small; merrick realized how he had grown, and somehow still imposing.
the boy was silent for a long ticking of moments, before lifting his chin, gaze still fixed upon her. "you're leaving." 
it was a statement devoid of accusation, merely observation. but beneath merrick's cold demeanour there thrummed hurt; how could indra leave? tadec had gone away, and now she too was abandoning him.