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Left behind — Description

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Ethan stayed by Iris's side the whole time she cried, rubbing her back and brushing his paws through her hair. The motion comforted him when the den mothers did it, so he hoped it had the same effect to her.

He tried to offer kind words and optimistic views, but the words only came out halfheartedly. And really, he knew they were just words filled with fluff.

They didn't know if he would be ok. They didn't know if anyone would. The adults had all said this may be dangerous.

Yet they chose to go. Cause it helps other folks...

Cause they were brave enough to go.

"I promise I won't leave you alone..."

That's what he had told her. The words had come out before he even really had time to think about what to say.

And, he did mean it.

He would stay by her side while she cried, trembled, and worried about her Bibbi.

Even though it hurt his heart.

He hated seeing her like this, and knowing he could do nothing about it. He couldn't promise Kersen would be safe, cause no one knew if they would be. He couldn't protect her from monsters or bad things around them. He couldn't even offer to go to ensure he would be safe.

And, in all honestly, he felt the same as she did right now.

He wanted to run to them den mamas and have them tell him this was all just a bad dream.

He wanted to curl up and cry with fear and worry.

For all those folks leaving.

For his friends having to watch their parents and siblings leave without knowing if they will come back.

For the fear if what may happen to all of them with this new blight going around the tree.

For Bio...

Who left with barley a goodbye...

Who he didn't even get to wish luck...

Iris at least got to say goodby to her Bibbi... But Ethan...

He sighed and looked at his poor friend, curled up almost in his lap with tears slowly crawling down her face.

He wished he was big and strong, and able to protect them.

He wished he could protect all of his friends.

But right now, all he could do was be with her while she cried.

And it didn't feel like much in the grand scheme of things...

He coughed a few times, his tics getting worse with the fear. But when Iris started to move, he rubbed her back and gently pressed her back down.

"It's ok." He said quietly, slowly lowering himself over her in a half hug half comfort compress. "I'm fine."

Iris sniffed, then laid her had back down.

Ethan stared at the ground, blinking wetness from his eyes. He wanted to cry, but right now Iris needed him.

He would be tough for her. She deserved it.

He would keep her safe and happy, just like her Bibbi

"I'm not leaving." He said calmly, closing his eyes. "I'll stay here with you, and keep you safe, until they all come back."

Word count: 515

misluc

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