and as you leave there are children playing at your feet

Poem suffered greatly knowing that she couldn’t be here for her family during the lowest times of their lives. She wanted her mother to lean on, she wanted to be a pup again hiding in Shaye’s fur instead of facing the cruel world outside. She knew the deep pain in her heart would never release, but maybe one day the sharpness would dull into a manageable ache.

Theory had to take on so much more than anyone ever intended. Poem felt horrible for not being able to be with her sisters, for not being able to support them in their greatest time of need. For the accident that stole away her mother. ”I’ve never seen him so hurt,” she offered much more somberly than Theory. She couldn’t bring herself to add to the humor, Pom still hurt too badly. ”I’m glad you found something to help him.” She mused, what would they do if they lost their father too?

”A couple of weeks. I don’t want to strain my leash and cause more problems.” The last thing she wanted was to cause her sister more strife right now. She had enough to deal with. ”I’ll work hard to come back. I hate leaving you like this.” Her words remained sorrowful and filled with regret. If she had only been stronger what could she have prevented? Would Shaye still be alive? What if she had been here, welcoming her and Motif back home instead of on that terrible cliff? Poem sniffled back her harsh tears. She didn’t think she would ever cease mourning her loss.