Addy felt her mother tremble, each whimper causing her heart to ache. Her head felt so thick, so disconnected from her body, but perhaps that was her distancing herself from the hurt that she’d already felt herself. The same hurt that Enoki was undoubtedly feeling in that moment. She’d known it all, the ache in the woman’s voice as she whispered her mate’s name the same ache she had spoken herself. The two shared a regretful thing now, the uniqueness of a pain all their own. Yes, others had lost mates and lost children but each felt it in their own way through their own situation. No longer was Addy alone, she had someone to relate to. How she wished it didn’t have to be so.

The girl watched the magpie pull away from her side and sat motionless as the frail woman placed herself atop the grave. She knew the water that dripped down her face wasn’t only rain and she cursed that there was nothing she could do about it. She wanted to take her mother’s pain away, but it was a fool's wish. It had likely been the same wish her packmates had felt for her, but to remove the pain would perhaps be even crueler than allowing them to feel it. To allow them the acceptance that came with the agony. Adeltra sat, watching her mother as the rain fell and soaked into her coat. Her expression was pained, but she made no move toward the woman. She wanted to let her alone with her thoughts for a little while, let her grieve privately for Nicolo like she deserved to.

After a long while the girl finally moved forward. Her head dipped down and she pressed a kiss to Enoki’s temple. ”Momma, we should go now. You’re gonna get sick. Daddy’s not going anywhere, we can come visit him everyday if you want,” she said, her voice gentle. It was only a suggestion, she would not force the woman from where she lay.