NOW THAT I KNOW YOU SO WELL
As far as absent fathers go, Mako thinks she could have worse. At least he had witnessed her mother die—she can use that as an excuse for why she has no memory of him. The flash of a pale lion illuminated by moonlight makes the corners of her eyes crease. Litotes. A lion, one fierce enough to put up a fight but not fierce enough to keep Valdis alive. Mako lets herself believe the trauma is what keeps him away.
As far as absent fathers go, I could have worse. She thinks and thinks and thinks, spinning out in the middle of a dusk-covered Loess.
A sigh, so loud and disappointed, mingles with the melodies of summertime insects. Mako leans into their singing, twitching two delicately scaled ears in time with the season’s tune. Here, beneath the receding oranges and clawing indigos, the tranquility of childhood summers relaxes her usually prepared muscles. Memories of tossing and turning with Bruxas, of Castile welcoming them into their family’s den—even with how alienated and cold she feels there is no denying the comfort and love that thrums powerfully beneath Loess’ chaotic reputation.
You’re happy, comes the intrusive thought of a dove. She comes to a fluttering halt upon Mako’s haunches. I wouldn’t call it happy, Mako replies, then turns at the snapping sound of an approach.
“Castile,” Mako murmurs on a breath, frost upon her hide glittering with the colors of the dying light. “I’ve missed you.”
@[Castile] :)