Lacey
Her baby's eyes were so dull, like hers. That hurt. She was far too young to have her momma's dead eyes, to feel the emptiness of hopelessness. Still, Kali stood and leaned into her side. That was a good sign, possibly. Until she looked suddenly anxious and glanced around, probably looking for her brother that had clung so tightly and protective to her. He must have been near enough to calm her, because she relaxed and nodded.
Speaking of some of them preferring this island over their home island had made her go still again, though, and Wallace instantly regretted it. She should be more careful with her words. But perhaps it was best that Kali was aware it could be a possibility. It was the last thing she wanted for their family, but she had a limit. And she just wasn't strong enough for some things.
She never wanted that for their family.
But it was bound to happen.
She'd try to bear it as long as she could though. For her babies.
She walked with her girl in relative quiet, listening to the colorful birds hidden in the trees, and the other wildlife bustling around them. It was nice to be alone with Kali. Even if she knew she wouldn't be able to get her to speak. It wouldn't be her. It was never her.
She lifted her face as she walked, her dark brown hair in soft waves over her lighter-brown neck. It was a welcome heat over her skin when the sunlight broke through the canopy and splashed over them. Her lace nearly glowed from it, pale scars lighting up brightly in contrast to her chocolatey color. So many memories were interlaced between them. Irreplaceable, irreversible.
Her dark face turned to her baby and she nuzzled her again as they walked, pouring her love into her as best she could. The kids were worth everything she'd been through, everything she still suffered from. All the heartache that shouldn't even exist. Her own fault. But her babies were beyond worth it, each one of them. It was incredible how much good had come of it, the dark point in her life.
