Crocodile tears

When Fern buries her head in the fur of Rudy’s chest, she feels his head rest against the back of her neck. She draws comfort from the touch, using it ground herself in the present, banishing the painful past from her mind. Even if it only for a moment. When she pulls back and asks about the adventures, Rudy obliges her and Fern offers him warm smile. Her body is tired but Fern’s spirit soar as the pair move away from the spot of the fight. When Rudy nudges her injured shoulder lightly it draws her attention back to the wound and just how exhausted her still healing body truly is. He talks about finishing the walk and heading back to the castle. Fern dips her head slightly, acknowledging his words and having no energy to protest.

Luckily, Fern has not torn open any stitches but the site around the sutures is weeping some blood. Her shoulder throbs in time with the beat of her heart but she doesn’t care. All that matters is being here, being back with Rudy. When he pauses suddenly, swiveling his head to look at her, Fern stops in her tracks and stares at him wide eyed. Had she done something wrong? When he speaks, swearing he was going to come looking for her, the gray girl tilts her head slightly in confusion. Come looking for her? Fern had not wanted anyone to find her. Especially, not while she was in that state. With the illness clouding her judgement and her body deteriorating slowly, Fern suddenly doubts Rudy would have wanted her back.

But she is back and healing, so she smiles, saying, “It’s okay Rudy. All that matters is that I am here now.” And, to Fern, that really is all that is important. Leaning slightly into his side, trying hard not to throw him off balance, her wounded shoulder forgotten, Fern reaches up to lick his cheek. The past is the past, no one can change what happened. But the future is in front of them and it is bright and full of hope.


"Fern"