the overactive mind of a believer

Avantika had started this day like so many others lately: out on patrol. It was easier now that it was a habit -- leaving her warm bed with Audra. She was getting really good at getting out of bed in a way that didn't wake her girlfriend. She didn't need to do stuff like this since she was no great fighter. Neither was Avantika, not enough for her to trust, but she was trained and ready to do what needed to be done. It was her duty to. Much as she loved Audra, she found herself occasionally resenting the woman's good life. She didn't have to be worried; all she had to do was be happy. It had been a long time since all Avantika had to do each day was be happy.

She didn't feel happy about the way she was feeling, but it wasn't important. Her feelings weren't important -- her actions were. And her actions showed that she loved Audra and that she loved her pack and her friends and her family and everyone. She was working so hard for them. She tried not to think about why she was doing it; because, while of course she was scared for the safety of those she loved, she couldn't help but feel bitter when no one seemed to care. No one told her they were proud of her. She felt weak and like an entitled little baby for thinking that. She was doing what she had to do. She didn't need to get some kind of trophy for that.

She kept moving.

"Speech"