When he really thought about it, understanding that all of this was utterly meaningless in the end was freeing. It would have been more freeing if his body understood that. That evening, not even thinking of the briny air wafting from the sea could comfort him. He didn’t need to be there, sitting in a field as he wished he was breathing in sea air simply because it reminded him of home. Back when Mutti was still—

No.

It didn’t matter.

He told himself that over and over, even as he felt an uncomfortable tremor in his body and an unwelcome wetness staining his cheeks. He ignored it. Tears wouldn’t change anything. He frowned, brows furrowing as he looked out beyond the horizon. He wondered then if Mutti ever—

NO.

He didn’t understand twisted in his belly, burning him as he—

Who’s there? His question was more of a demand, voice sharp as he peered ahead of him. He knew the sound of pawsteps well now, already looking for an escape.

@Elara

code x art

The sun-kissed lioness had spent the day among the wildflowers, her nose practically stuffed with their pollen by the time the field slowly faded into the evening. With twilight embracing the world in its dusky hues, she began collecting sweet-smelling foliage to assist with assembling her nest for the night. Her tawny pelt allowed her to blend into the darkness, the rustling of the wild grass marking her movements through the meadow.

As she hunched over, mulling over which plants to take with her, a sharp voice cut through her thoughts. She paused mid-action, her teal eyes blinking out toward the source of the interruption. With a brief tilt of her head, she softly padded toward the direction of the voice. Approaching, the silhouette of the male became visible; he looked not much smaller than her, and his posture and scent were tense.

Setting the bundle of foliage by her paws, she tried to catch his gaze in the dark as she raised her head. "Hello there," she chirped in greeting. "May I ask if you're alright?"

everything is better in california

code by loki

He briefly considered saying nothing to the stranger and walking away. There was no point in voicing how he felt. After all, it would not bring Mutti back. It would not right the wrongs done to them. But the lioness held herbs in a way that reminded him so much of…

His shoulders slouched. Well, if there was no point in voicing how he felt, then he was sure there was equally no harm in doing the opposite. I haven’t been alright in a long, long time he said, a frown pulling at his lips. But then, is anyone?

He leaned back to sit, staring at a place that was not quite her eyes as he wiped away his tears. I just… There is someone I miss very deeply. Someone… who isn’t coming back—

And that was the end of it, he thought, even if he deeply wished it wasn’t.

—Nothing important.

@Elara

code x art

She listened in silence as he shared his grief, her movements still, her attention focused solely on him. Memories of her own home, mother, and childhood echoed in her mind, resonating with the familiarity of his words. As he concluded, she wordlessly padded over to him, her empathy reflected in her gaze. Gently, the tawny lioness leaned in, carefully resting her head against his shoulder to offer comfort. Her presence was meant to be soft and unobtrusive, a silent pillar of understanding.

"It's okay to miss them," she murmured softly after a moment, allowing the quiet to envelop them, sharing the weight of unspoken memories. "I'm sure they miss you just as much," she added, hoping to provide him a sliver of solace in his sorrow.

@Arion

everything is better in california

code by loki

The look in her eyes reminds him of Mutti and that thought alone brings forth more tears. He would beat himself over sobbing in front of a stranger later, but in that moment, he couldn’t bring himself to care anymore. He let out all the tension in his body as her head rested against his shoulder, slouching with a sigh.

The lioness spoke of it being okay to miss Mutti and he could not help but glance at her. Of course, he knew it was okay but… had he really given himself the space to accept that? He wasn’t sure. Sometimes, I think she would want me to move on, to be everything I couldn’t be when she was here. The words were steadier now, in spite of his tears. But sometimes I hope she can’t see me, so she isn’t disappointed… wherever she is.

@Elara

code x art