I'm Calling

Akemi raised her head, watery eyes staring at him as she said his name, disbelief coloring her words. Still Hati stood frozen, caught between his wants and what he should do. But she ran to him, her small head pressing against his neck and shoulder with affection unfeigned, and Hati's own selfish nature won out. His heavy head dipped, curled around her and pulled her close in a hug. "Akemi," he breathed into the fur of her neck. "I've missed you too." More than she could know. "I'm fine. Don't you worry about me, nothing keeps me down for long. I'm sorry I didn't come find you sooner." He hugged her tighter, though he took care not to squish too hard. "Tell me what's wrong, Akemi." Not a question, not a demand, but a plea. Gods damn him for it, but he wanted nothing more than to help her.

"Speech"

the sins of our father, the sins of our young