Fauna saw how Mika's expression dimmed. His shoulders slumped, and the confidence that had filled his eyes just minutes ago was gone.
Her smile faded into concern.
"What's wrong, Mika?" She asked softly, her voice taking on that same motherly warmth he'd known since childhood. "Why do you look like that?"
She tilted her head, brushing a strand of hair from his face.
"You have the same look you did when you didn't get picked as a main character for that play years ago...remember? You stood outside the hall, staring at the list with that exact expression."
Her tone softened even further.
"Talk to me, darling. Tell me what you're feeling. Maybe I can help."
Mika tried to answer, but for a long moment, the words just wouldn't come.
Finally, he let out a slow, shaky sigh and gave her a crooked, self-deprecating smile.
