you could love me if i knew how to lie

So enveloped in his misery was the boy that he didn't even hear Twig approach. He didn't even consider her existence until she began to speak. She offered soothing tones and empty words, but she believed in those words, he could tell. He sniffled and his sobs turned into soft cries and whines instead. Part of him didn't want her to go. He wanted nothing more than to have her wrap herself around him and let him cry until he lose his voice and his eyes swelled shut. He knew that such things weren't possible however. He pushed her away because he loved her.

If she had come to him, he would have run again and so he was thankful that she kept her distance. Twig gave instructions and he would follow them as long as she stayed away. Before she left, he offered a small nod, his face still buried in his forelegs. He would do as she asked and try to eat. He would sleep and watch for the herbs that someone would leave for him. If he could sleep for a few days, it might help his mental exhaustion along with his physical exhaustion. He only hoped that the spirits of his parents and aunt would let him sleep.

Once Twig was gone and enough time had passed that the boy wouldn't stumble into her, he unrolled his balled up form. Now he was feeling the bruising from his fall. Looking down, he noted that he'd landed on some bumpy rocks. A frown was all the reaction he gave before climbing back out of the gully. He made his way back to the den that he shared with Tempo and threw himself in the farthest, darkest corner. Sleep found him instantly. He'd forgotten all about the rabbit.

-Exit-