Falls

It was such a simple task to think the words, but it was a totally different matter to speak them. Espen didn’t know why it had to be so hard. Or why everyone else could seemingly do it without an issue while he struggled. Sure, when he had practiced, it had been somewhat better. Not such a slow, agonizing effort to try and stutter out some word or another. But between the cruelty he had endured mentally, and the solitude he had faced in the aftermath, it had nearly made him like a child. No, even a child could speak better than him.


Even while his thoughts are preoccupied, Espen still watches as the little mare moves to a more sociable position and continues talking to him. As if it weren’t obvious that he hated Clyre? He didn’t bother to try and answer something that he felt like didn’t need to be. It would only be a waste of both their time. Only the smallest of smiles on her lips brings his ears forward from their withdrawn position to cup towards her. Did she really offer him something as kind as a smile?


For a moment, her question is completely forgotten as Espen focuses on that one thing. Unable to pry his blue eyes away from the curve of her lips. Does she know she is smiling at him? Does she know the power, and effect it will have over him? It was almost like he had even forgotten to breath in those precious few moments, before reality struck him. She was still waiting on an answer.


“Eeessss…..” he started, then paused. Espen knew the word, but his lips and tongue didn’t want to wrap around it. The painted man narrowed his blue eyes, determined, and tried again. “Eesss-cap.” No, that wasn’t right either. Why did he have to be so broken?! Irritation flashed through him all over again, but he didn’t run nor lash out. Espen only dropped his head again, as he had done earlier, his perked ears burying in his sea of black mane once more.