Blacktail Deer Plateau i have burned & burned

His chopped tongue was missed. The roughness of his voice over words filled with softness. She could curl up inside his throat and listen to that voice for hours no matter the words that spilled out — but these were her favorite words to hear.

I missed you too. Soft, a confession back. Although she also had no shame in admitting it here to him. He deserved to know that he had indeed occupied both heart and mind despite her distance.

Forever. A wish, more than anything else. If she was to settle here and build a monument to all the things she loved in this life, he need remain by her side for her future. It felt only right. Even if selfish.

You must rest. I will...I will care for you.