dancing in the desert, blowing up the sunshine [Nevi, Offy, Isle]

[Lieschel]

Lieschel

She doesn't remember the run back from the Playground. She remembers nothing really as she finds herself back in the Adoption Den. She remembers her heart breaking and then shattering into a billion pieces as she had listened to Nevi talk. She remembers leaving the cave so fast it had been like something was chasing her. And then she remembers not wanting to care so damn much.

She had wandered home, mind in a fog as she tried to forget. She tried to forget the hurt, tried to push it away back where it had been. But it was strong, so much stronger this time with Nevi's family in her mind. She kept picturing them even when she didn't want to and knew that this would be her own lesson to mind her damn business.

Her conscience mind comes to her when she stumbles over a tree branch. Her chest heaving and sweat coated her little body. She tried to take stock of where she was, eyes having a hard time focusing on what was around her until she realizes that she was near the place that Nevi had spoken of. Those big trees with the branches that seem to go on forever. The ones that he had curled up against and then woke up to find his dream life.

Tears threatened the little girl and she snorted angrily, still pushing them back, still not wanting to admit what they all wanted. A home. A safe place. Someone to love them. Her tears come anyways.

And then when she gets them under control she goes to one of the big tree trunks and rests her forehead against it. Her eyes close and it is hours before she stirs. She's only glad this part of the Den isn't as crowded.

That awkward moment when you're laughing so hard but no noise comes out so you sit there clapping like a retarded seal.