Chapter 25: The Opposite is True

Once things settled down and the ship got underway for Osmus, the nearest of the Quiet Worlds, Malcolm called several key people to the mess hall for a private chat. It was time to hash some things out.

Pampaa sat down at one of the long cafeteria tables. Benja sat with him.

Seeing the two of them together, chatting idly, Etzli recalled simpler times in a stream of vivid images and smells. Wet grass after a spring rain storm. Sunlight glittering through gently waving trees. Pampaa's pungent cologne, which he only wore on the high holy days.

Overwhelmed, Etzli turned away from Pampaa and Benja. Having them around should've been a comfort, but they just reminded her of everything she'd lost. She didn't know when or if she'd ever return home. And, if she did make it home, she couldn't imagine it would be the same ever again.

Arms crossed over herself, Paras scowled beside Etzli.

Strangely, Etzli found Paras a much more comforting presence.