It took a few moments for understanding to dawn on her, but when Evren realized what the young mare had just admitted, her stomach jolted. It was a strange feeling, being told by someone that they had a crush on your child. Evren might have felt proud, but given the circumstances, she could only feel sorry for the young mare. She knew what it was like to experience such intense feelings, and such intense heartbreak. It was the trademark of youth.
Then, before she knew what was happening, Evren was comforting the young mare as she cried on her shoulder. This has escalated quickly, she thought to herself even as she rested her chin on the young mare’s neck in a placating gesture. She truly felt for her, though, she really did. Han’s departure was still a fresh wound even for her. Every day, Evren woke up still expecting to see him, and when she didn’t… it was like reliving the day he left all over again.
The young mare’s grief was infectious, and soon Evren could feel herself welling up. “Sweetheart,” she said through a throat tight with emotion, “Han leaving had nothing to do with you, I promise.” But what if it did? she could not help but wonder. She would not dare say such a thing, of course: not without knowing the precise details of this young mare’s relationship with Han. But it was curious that she would appear (to the best of Evren’s knowledge) right around the time Han left.
“Han was… very unhappy living here. He had been for some time. It came as a shock to me too - he didn’t tell me until the day he left, and I’m his own mother.” Evren pulled away from the mare to look in her eyes, and smiled gently. “What’s your name, honey?”
9; mutt; bay tobiano; 15.3hh
orhan x arcana |