These Quiet Moments

Mariah listened attentively as Caedes opened up about his family, her heart going out to him as he spoke of his complicated relationship with his parents. She could sense the underlying emotions in his words—the longing for connection, the ache of distance, and the bond he shared with his grandmother. She admired his resilience and strength, forged through the challenges he had faced, and felt a deeper sense of connection with him as he shared his story.

"I'm sorry to hear that your relationship with your parents is distant," Mariah said softly, her tone filled with something that resembled empathy, but also understanding. Her own parents weren't absent by any means, she just couldn't help but feel like a burden to them. Like the majority of interactions stemmed from concern. Perhaps the distance she felt was self-inflicted. But even still, she understood.  "But, at least you weren't totally alone." She paused, her gaze meeting Caedes's with a reassuring grin. Her brother Malico had always been there for her. Perhaps things would have turned out very different had she not had him. "Family isn't always about blood. It's about the bonds we form with those who support us, regardless of lineage."

"Mariah Mendacium"