The tension was tangible, hanging over the room like a dark fog. As he began to pull at the legs of one of the chairs, the boy stole a glance at Cambria and felt overwhelmed by her sadness. He couldn't imagine what it was like for her right now, with a sick sister and a mate out in the cold. It had been stupid to pity himself over a dead insect, his pain nothing compared to hers. When Anu invited her closer to the fire, Oak wanted to drop what he was doing and cuddle up next to the pretty healer, to chase the sorrow from her eyes.
He reluctantly looked away from Cambria and returned to his work, smiling at Amata as she joined him. The chairs were well made and difficult to dismantle, but his strong arms succeeded in tearing one leg after the other, forming a pile of wood at his feet. His hands smarted from friction of grasping wood and his breath was shallow with exertion as he finished, gathering the pieces in his hands and setting the pile beside the fire that his mother was so carefully tending. What else, Mama? he asked, looking into the fireplace. He knew nothing about fire building, much as he wished to help his mother bring warmth into the room, but he would help in any way that he could. Perhaps once the flames ascended and the room was comfortable, everyone, especially Cambria, would feel a little better.
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