Page 31 of Time To Learn

7

Kristian

“You’ve got so many tattoos.” The admiration in Ailith’s voice makes me grin as we sit down on the white bench next to the stables.

“I started eight years ago, and I doubt I’ll ever really stop getting them. Not until I run out of room, that is,” I murmur. I stretch my arms in front of me, turning them so she can get a betterlook.

She tilts her head as she looks more closely at one on my wrist—an infinity symbol that’s pretty dorky with the words Family Forever entwined around the circles.

“Which one was your first?” sheasks.

I point at the infinity symbol.

“That one. I got it on my eighteenth birthday.”

“I really like it,” she beams at me, but then looks confused and points at the letters on my knuckles. “Are you a Lone Soul like the wolf on yourhand?”

I shrug as I place my palms flat on my thighs and take a moment to consider her question. I shouldn’t be surprised she’s so insightful, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been around children her age, I’ve forgotten how much they actuallysee.

“I suppose I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere for a long time.” I clear my throat and smile gently at her. “Sometimes, people feel out of place, and it takes a while before they find their footing.”

I stop, realising that maybe that’s not exactly the right thing to talk about withher.

But when she turns her face and gives me a sympathetic smile back, I feel more atease.

“I think Mummy is a lone soul, too.”

“Why do you saythat?”

She sighs a little and sits back on the bench, looking a little shy as she starts to fiddle with one of the straps of her boots.

“It’s just a feeling.” Her eyes perk up then. “But I don’t really understand why. I mean, look at our home, all the horses.” The way she raises her hands up and wide makes me grin. “Who could ever feel lonelyhere?”

I lean back in my seat and look at the surroundings.

“It’s very peaceful. Have you always livedhere?”

She bites her lip, and I frown as she hesitates.

“No,” she finally answers. “We only came here two years ago, but it feels like we’ve been here forever. It’s our safe place, where no one can touch us or do us anyharm.”

She clams up, crossing her arms in front of her and avoids my eyes again.

I get the feeling that there’s a whole lot of story behind those words, but I don’t feel right trying to pry it out of her. That’s notfair.

“I see. Well, I’m glad you’re happy here.” I look back at the horses. “But that grey one? I hope my aunt doesn’t end up buying him. He doesn’t looknice.”

Ailith giggles, and I feel relieved she’s back to her joyfulself.

“He’s not forsale.”

I look down ather.

“What’s hisname?”

“Thunder. He’s only been here for a month. Gan-Gan saved him from a really meanman.”

I raise my eyes at her, confused.