Girl next door

A faint sigh fell from his lips as he settled down, feeling a dull ache pulling at his joints. These days especially be was beginning to feel his age, though he wouldn't let thoughts of his mortality hold him back completely. By this time of day he was usually long curled up in his room, not far off from sleep, so he was presently fighting off a yawn as he began to settle in.

Present company seemed far more important than feeling a little sleepy, though.

Scooting close to her revealed the tears that stained her cheeks. Where had Bowen been these days, anyway? Sota rarely pried into the affairs of others and generally kept to himself, though he regretted then not keeping a closer eye on her.

Their eyes met and he offered a gentle smile, in spite of the somber air that hung heavy around them.

"I'm well enough" "I'm just happy to see everyone so happy, he thought to himself, which was mostly true. Imagining what might be ailing Bowen, though, tugged at his heartstrings. Everyone here deserved the same happiness, and she was no exception. "What about you? Bonfires not your thing?" Not prying, but giving an out if she didn't feel like talking about whatever she was feeling - opening the door for her to share if she wished to.