PAIN OF LETTING GO

Rowan watched the carriage disappear into the distance, leaving Eridor behind. His whole life, he had never truly been accepted by any family, except Adric's. He had found peace and contentment in that acceptance, which erased the sting of rejection from others. Being Adric's guard and friend gave him a sense of belonging. But when Louis and Freya, that small family of two, entered his life, he began to long for something more. He wanted to be a part of them, to share in their laughter and meals, to be close to them.

Now, they were leaving, and the hurt he had buried for so long resurfaced. Rowan didn't want to be left behind again. He didn't want Freya to look at him with the pain and tears that broke his heart. He had seen the hurt in her eyes when he grabbed her wrist, leaving an imprint. It wasn't his intention to be rough, but desperation had clouded his judgment. All he wanted was to explain himself, to clear up any misunderstandings.