Serena clenched and unclenched her fists. It was her reality. Any joy now experienced would be short-lived, a tragedy waiting to unfold. A low breath slipped from her lips as she closed her eyes, just for a moment, steadying herself.
Misery would eat at her soul forever if she kept moving like this. Yes, she would have to leave, but letting that dampen her spirits would sour all the fun she could have. That, in turn, meant only regret would fill her memories at every waking hour in Lupine Hollow.
She held her head up high and walked on. A promise was made there and then, she would not let the thought of leaving weigh her down.
"I'll make the most of my stay," she said with a small smile, glancing at Darius.
He didn't miss how her eyes glistened with unshed tears,how she blinked too quickly and turned her head, sniffing once like it would disguise the break in her voice. Darius kicked a stone down the road and fiddled with his fingers.
