Was I left behind?
Tell me, tell me I survived.
The more time I spend with Ivanna, the more I realize just how young she is. In physical form she is nearly an adult. Round in all the right places, her weight is evenly held over her short conformation. But in her laughter, and her adverting gaze, it's easy to see just how filly-like she still was. Realizing this made my heart ache for her. I still didn't understand how she'd been alone for all this time, toiling away here. In some regards, the fact that she remained undetected may have been a blessing. If she'd ended up with the likes of Rougaru or Warsaw, or a similar type, she could be pregnant right now. What a fate, for someone who was still so child-like themselves.
I breathed a heavy sigh then, but offered the girl a warm smile. She seemed still a bit unsure of me, which was to be expected. But I see a glimmer of hope and excitement dance across her features, and I feel grateful that I stumbled into the Crossing when I did.
"I don't want you to be anyone but yourself." I offer back at her uneasy words. My tail flicked over my haunches as she tries to talk me out of this offer, but I try to quickly dismiss her attempts.
I cast my gaze over my shoulder, my honey brown eyes looking down the path toward the sea. "Ready for a swim?"
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