Cold.

Lonely.

Alone.

Leaving my brother's side has become less of an alien experience since I began making friends and finding my own path. Quixote has his needs and as his sister and only family I need to respect that- but I'm allowed to miss him. I'm allowed to be heartbroken as I wander these lands hauntingly similar to home as we approach the anniversary of the fire that changed our lives forever. Winter used to be one of my favorite times of year, playing in the snow with Quixote late into the night before watching and listening to the moon together until we fell asleep. My stomach aches as my heavy steps sink through the snow and I fight back choking tears. I don't know where I am, don't know where I'm going.

Lost.

I wouldn't be lost if you were here…



It tears through the still silence of the day, the sound carrying well and far through the cold air and over the gentle hills. The familiar call comes to me when I need it most and I waste no time bounding toward the sound of company. My body feels heavy and my feet lethargic, but once I catch sight of the lively chocolate-coated Taika everything changes. Ears up, eyes bright and tail alive as I near my soul sister. Taika! I huff nearly out of breath as I fall gracelessly into a particularly deep drift of snow. My head emerges a moment later and I call out again. Taika! Sister! I eventually manage to dig myself out and greet her with an eager smile. It is so good to see you all the way out here. I was beginning to think I'd be spending my winter alone. Leave it to the gypsy caravans to give a home to those who needed it most and companionship when one least expected it.