More than Just the Gloomies

For a moment Oleander let himself absorb and accept his father's pride with a sheepish shrug and humble smile. Yes, he was grateful that he would have this opportunity.
Back to work! Serious face now!
His father's answers to his questions made the boy frown. These were all problems he needed to help his father with. Having Mom leave was a devastating blow to the family, and the pack as a whole, even so, they had to get up and find a way to move forward.

He didn't know what it was like to be left by your life partner. But he did know what it was like to feel your mother walk away with no knowing when she'll be back. Filling the shoes of the Trauma Specialist would be too big for him just now. He pushed himself forward into his father's chest.

"You know how important sleep is Dad. And you're losing weight." Didn't he believe Mom was coming back? It was the promise that was holding him and Wylan together. Wylan even more so than Ollie, he would say.

"I gotta keep you going until Mom comes back. She'll have my hide if I allow you to slip away from starving! Can you please try some of these treats Wyl made, and this mead? It's got a herb in it that should help chase away some of the worst sad days. For me? For Mom?" He asked imploringly, still small enough to look up at Mortis with his big dark green eyes, the little flecks of lavender catching the light.

"Speech"