048

Hans' collection of spices

Halvir hugged Anindira from behind and kissed her hair. Hans knelt in front of Anindira and grabbed both of her hands, smothering them in his chest. Gavriel did not see Anindira's expression, but her feelings were conveyed to Gavriel. They didn't quite understand what Anindira had just said. In this world, a woman who had entered the heat cycle meant she was an adult. Even so, they could tell that Anindira was sad.

''I'm sorry, my words hurt you?'' asked Hans.

''No... I just can't fully accept my situation. In my world, children my age are free to play as they please, but, if I, even by just counting the months, have a child, I have to take care of it. I'm afraid... In my world, taking care of children is a very difficult thing to do...'' Anindira said, expressing her feelings, ''I'm just a child, how can a little kid like me take care of children? I still want to play,'' she added.