He meets her in the middle, and for a moment it is so easy to pretend that everything is okay. That they have all the time in the world to simply exist in one another’s presence. That they are not facing fear and worry and grief in the dangerous, tumultuous world in which they live. But reality is always so eager to intrude. So, though Noel tries, she is inevitably forced to return to the present.
Did he seem alright? he asks, and Noel nods against his shoulder. He can’t see her, pressed as she is against him, but for a moment, she forgets. When she recalls however, the soft affirmation slips from her lips. “Yes.” She sucks in a breath, taking in his familiarity and holding it in her lungs as long as she can. “They don’t appear to be harming him.”
She pulls back slightly. As much as she wants nothing more than to stay curled against him forever, she knows that she cannot. She knows that the world would never be that kind. Lifting her head, she finds his gaze, dark eyes expressive. She does not try to shield herself from him. Does not try to hide the worry she feels. Does not try to hide the fear.
Not fear for her son. He is as well as she could ensure, and she knows she cannot protect him forever. No, it is for him she worries and fears. Even if he does not like to express it, she knows the strain he is under. Knows the weight he carries. And she fears she will not be enough.
He asks after her, and she cannot respond immediately. She does not want to place her burdens onto his already overburdened shoulders. Instead, she brushes her lips over the corner of his mouth. “I’m okay now that you are here.”
“How was Loess?” she continues quickly, unwilling to give him the opportunity to pry further. The weight she carries is so slight in comparison to his, it would be unfair to give it to him. But perhaps she could take some of his. She is no politician, nor is she a warrior, but she can be here to support him. And perhaps, that would be enough to keep him from slipping farther away.
- noel
@Nashua