Duck Lake I want to see you smile but know that means I'll have to leave

she had thought, once upon a time, that this might be joyous.

that she might hug reverie and ask her of the things she saw. if she was happy and safe. if they tended to her in all the ways she needed.

but there were tears and bjarna's tongue felt thick in her mouth.

the sinking, continuing realization that life was never what one expected.

they did not need many words to talk. they never had before, they would not now. she only offered an opening of her arms as she reclined. a welcoming beacon for her systir if she wished it.