The compound bow felt right in my hands, as it usually did. A weight and balance that had grown familiar as I continued my archery practice even in this new confined space in the LTER compound.
Today, I'd checked the string tension twice. Examined each fixed broadhead-tipped arrow for flaws I knew wouldn't be there, since I had a separate set for practice.
Anything to delay the moment. Where I had to actually say what I intended to… out loud.
"I'm going hunting. You're to stay with my son."
Bright orange glows looked up from where she sat bundled in blankets, my son sleeping peacefully in the basket resting on her lap. Kyrie held an expression that shifted through grave concern, a slight surprise, and finally something that looked almost like pride.
> Trust is… a word for it. A word I won't say. <
"You need protein for recovery. I also need some. It's been too long since I had fresh, real meat… not pre-cooked rations.
