Time is Running Out

There would be no false assurances, no chance at a life raft in the sea he’d be thrown in. He had to deal with Zee’s dying, and he had to get his act together. It was clear that Zee would settle for nothing less. He gritted his teeth and clamped down on the part of himself that wanted to cry out ‘I wouldn’t have to if you’d hold on!’ They would be nothing but cruel words to a dying woman. He closed his eyes, burying his head a little further in her coat. Breathing in the scent of her. Would he forget that small in a year? In two years from now? He was old. How many years would he have to go on without her? They’d never thought of their own mortality when they’d had their last litter. They’d never considered that old age might claim them before their pups were ready. Or that… or that… the pups themselves would be more than Zee’s body could bear.

He gripped her a little tighter, and then forced himself to relax his muscles. “I promise you this, Zee. I will do everything I can for them. I will… I will stay in the Hallows, for a little while, and let Briar and Artorias ground me. Until I can… can take them home.” He was crying, and he was trying desperately not to let it enter his words. “Would I… would it be okay if I held onto the fluffy cheetah coat? Or would you rather…” he couldn’t say it, he couldn’t say ‘after you're gone’ they weren’t words he was ready for. “Rather one of the children…” How did anyone do this. This slow burn, this holding her and knowing she’d be gone. How was he supposed to find his strength for her?


"Speech"