things didn't pan out

Eularia released her son; usually so quiet, complacent. He was her little dormouse, and... he'd never raised his voice with her. Much less multiple times in one day. She felt numb, like she was witnessing yet another child draw away from her.

She's quiet, because nothing she says will fix this. Alonso was sheltered; but she did not think he was daft. So he must believe they had the means to take on the Talons and Crows out of... childish hope, and she won't dash that.

Not right now.

I'm sorry. Her voice sounds hollow, and she brushed a hand through her son's hair. I should have done better.