Right from the frying pan

Bae-Syl laid beside her and she pressed close to him for comfort. The girl didn’t mind that he hooked his back leg around her; she was used to being close to the rainbow-marked male. He was trying to calm her and, with a soft huff, she nosed him in response, taking in his scent as she often did when she needed to calm down… just like whenever it stormed. She wasn’t afraid of the storms anymore, at least in her eyes, but she still felt better laying close with Bae-Syl… and though this wasn’t quite a storm, there was enough going on to still have her upset. Even with her father showing up, speaking calmly to her to explain, she shifted uneasily.

Trauma.

She wasn’t familiar with the word, nor its causes. But the fact herbs couldn’t make the problem go away seemed strange. She whimpered softly. “But you’re the best healer there is… You have to be able to do something more…” She knew he was trying… She knew Valerian Root, the flower he was using, could help calm wolves down and help with headaches. He’d kept some in his bag throughout the seasons ever since she was little.

Then Bae-Syl surprised her. Her eyes lit up as he brought up not only herbs but what they could be used for. “You know about healing!?” She was shocked and happy. “I’ve never talked about those herbs to you before… how did you know about them?” Could Bae have the answers to help her mom?

The short answer was no. Well, not exactly. He gave what her mother had two other names… neither good…. And confirmed they were incurable. She met Bae’s gaze; she understood now, but it didn’t mean she liked it. She frowned again and glanced toward her parents.

Her mother had laid down and, just like she was seeking comfort from Bae-Syl, her mother sought comfort from her father. It was funny how similar the two pairs were. But there was one thing Lucy still didn’t understand.

“But… why would mom look at Bae-Syl as a threat, dad? She looked so angry… and then when she saw me her whole demeanor changed. He’s not a threat… he’s the sweetest guy I know!” She glanced up at Bae. “He’s been taking care of me…” She bumped him with her nose. “I’d be lost without him… so… so somehow we have to make sure mom will be okay. I don’t want him to go anywhere!