Hurts Of Love Linger|New Anarlina

[Darastrix]

"I believe there may be," Dusk said, gently brushing Locke's hair from his face. "Excuse me. I shouldn't be gone long."

The priestess rose and exited the room, returning a few minutes later carrying a small tea tray with the requested tea as well as a few cakes. Dusk didn't know Locke's preferences, but she found sweets to be comforting when she was upset. "Here you are," she said, setting the tray down on a table.

[Deleted]

Locke had taken the time Dusk was gone to try collecting himself, and he did seem calmer when she returned. He stood, pouring milk into one of the cups and swishing it gently to make it mix. "Thank you," he said, and had a long swallow. The warmth settled in his gut and soothed him, and he closed both hands around the cup to absorb the heat there, too.

"I.... I will try to remember what you've told me," the Mind mentioned after a pause. "I do want to stop feeling guilty, and I want to be able to move on. I just sense it's going to be difficult. What advice do you have for when I falter?"

[Darastrix]

Dusk took a cup as well, adding what seemed to be an inordinately large amount of sugar before taking a sip.

"Don't try to keep it to yourself. We all deal with things in our own way, of course, but I don't believe closing up helps anyone," she said, shaking her head. "If you find yourself falling back, let yourself reach out to someone, and let them help you back up. You don't need to hide your pain and go through this alone."

[Deleted]

Alone. Yes, he usually kept himself apart from others. It was habit. Was that part of the problem? He was too used to being alone? Especially after losing Diamond and his old job.

Locke concluded he might have to purchase a journal of some kind; there were some things he still would not want to discuss with his parents or grandparents, and he did not really have any friends. Certainly River and Gale were warm and welcoming, but they were his employers, not his pals.

"Thank you," he said anyway.