Homeless forever, probably.

[qaunak]

It's alright, mun. I know there aren't many places out there for someone like me.

But I appreciate the chance at being able to see my sons again. I miss them both, Noatak especially... I thank you for this chance to see who they've become.

Comments

you ever just feel like someone punched you in the chest?

[amonfire]

No. The three of us would have faired better if we had stayed together. [ He gripped his mother tight; shoring up his resolve when he knew breaking down in front of her was the last thing the poor woman needed. She needed her son strong. ] My regrets are many, but their roots run deep and most fall on the shoulders of the tyrant who played the husband where you could see. Blaming you now is unjust and there is nothing for me to forgive.

I'm done running; all I wish is to be the son I robbed from you all those years ago.

I am like this close to crying, you have no idea.

[qaunak]

Then... are you coming home, Noatak? [She manages a smile, even if it's not her strongest one.] I want you to come back. We can start over. Things won't be the same, but I can try. I promise I'll do better, and we'll be a real family again. Everything will be how it was supposed to be.

what's this "close to" shit? My face is raining.

[amonfire]

[ Noatak relents and pulls away with his hands anchored to his mother's thin shoulders that carried a burden should have never been forced upon her. ]

It will be just like the good old days, and better besides.

...okay, mine is too. I admit it. WHY DID I MAKE THIS POST.

[qaunak]

[She's gotten a bit thinner since her family more or less ceased to be. Qaunak was never a big woman, but without her boys bickering over dinner or even her husband burning the food in his attempts at cooking, the table was something to be avoided. She hasn't been taking very good care of herself... because she had no reason to. Some days she laid in bed and couldn't summon up the willpower to get up at all.

But that's over now. Noatak is here. She's not alone. And he doesn't hate her for all her failings those years ago.]

Is your favorite food still seal slices and stewed sea prunes? It's been a while, but I can make you some. I didn't throw out any of your things... I, I just couldn't. I missed you. [And now happy tears are brewing, but she wipes them on her sleeve.] I must look like such a wreck. I'm sorry, Noatak.