~ A Moment ~
Bell closes the front door out of respect for her niece’s grief. Still, Solma’s sobs carry on the air. There aren’t many people left in the village to hear her: most have gone with Blaiz to march on the nest with their shovels and self-righteous anger. Only the youngest, the oldest and the most cautious remain, hiding in their houses. They are no longer hopeful. They are afraid. All of them.
Except one.
Olive leans against the wall of Bell’s house with her arms folded, listening to Solma’s inconsolable weeping. She winces at the sound as if Solma’s despair causes her physical pain. Her fingers flex in and out of fists. There’s nothing she can do for Solma here. There is no enemy to fight, no creature to shoot, no physical thing in front of which she can place herself to shi
