*~*~*one week later*~*~*
Drira tossed another stone into the spring behind her home. There was an emotion behind that toss…a feeling she had not been able to wave away after her mother had passed. Garron noticed it, but Bryn felt more strongly about it. He worried for his sister.
Bryn had seen twenty-one summers in his life. Garron was three years his senior, and the only one to really remember their father. Drira never knew him. Bryn felt extremely close to Drira because she suddenly came into his life just after his father died and had become his new playfriend. Thus, seeing her in such a dejected state by the stream hurt his soul.
"Drira," he said softly. She blinked in reply. He stood beside her and brushed stray tendrils of hair from her face. She jumped slightly at his touch, then turned to him. "Drira," he began again, "I think there are some things we should discuss."
"Yes," she nodded, her eyes scanning over the water. He turned her to face him.
"Drira, you know our mother loved you extremely-"
"Of course, Bryn," she half-smiled. "Always."
"And you know Garron and I love you."
"Always," she repeated. "And I love each of you."
"Yes. And now-"
"I've made up my mind, Bryn," she interrupted him, her eyes confident. He looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"About what?"
"I cannot stay here." His eyes widened. "Tomorrow I am leaving. I do not want you to follow me."
"What...why?"
"I need to. I need to find myself." She closed her eyes, then took a breath. "I've spoken with Garron, Bryn."
His face softened.
"So...you have already discussed..."
"He understands. I pray you do as well."
He set his hands on her shoulders, then hugged her to him.
"If it is best...yes. We don't judge you differently, Drira."
"I should hope not," she smiled up at him, lightly kissing his cheek. He kissed her head. "I will return when I am ready."
"Very well."
She smiled again at his look.
"You are still my older brother...even after it all."
"I will always be your older brother, Drira. No matter the circumstances."
She nodded and blinked away tears.
"This I do not doubt."