Stone Circle Well, I've been afraid of changing

As he expected the questions came fast and furious, and for the first time he was able to focus on something other than the agony squeezing the air out of his lungs and the rock that constantly sat on his chest. Of course her name caused him to falter slightly, a quick sharp intake of breath the only reaction he let show. His gaze shifted to the path a head, once again refusing to look at her. "They are about 4 weeks old, newborns still." Siarut avoided mentioning their mother at all costs, his throat closing slowly as he continued to speak about his children. They were so young, and already at such a disadvantage. For all the tradgedy that had befallen his life, Siarut had at least known the love of a mother. He had at least had that. His own children could not say the same. Wasn't he supposed to raise them to be better than himself.

"We named them; Selamuit, Kallik, Taktuq, and Ikiaq." Despite her last question, Siarut didn't immediately mention anything about her. But as they walked he realized he couldn't keep it from her for much longer. His steps slowed down, and he came to a gradual stop. Taking a deep breath, and casting his olive gaze on the clouds above. It had been raining on and off all day. Fitting his mood. He remained silent for a long time trusting Takiyok to understand and keep quiet.

Slowly he formed the words, even as he struggled to keep a sob smothered. "She's gone." Was all he could manage, for the moment. He could hardly breath as he uttered the words, making it real. That moment stretched for an eternity, she was gone.....forever. And he had to live with that for the rest of his life. That she was gone, and he was still here. He would never be whole again, and he had done nothing to keep her safe. It was all his fault. Finally he couldn't hold it anymore, a heavy, wet, sob dropped his head to the ground. Just as the rain started once again.