Valerie

The silence itself seemed to pause a fraction before I slowly exhaled.

I had expected this question somewhat. Mina, ever so kind and attentive, must have been itching to say this but never had the right time. During this month, whilst talking on many other topics we'd both avoided it, especially when it entailed her leaving.

But I wasn't surprised at her plan to leave the pack and I already had my answer to her question.

“Yes.” I said in a quiet, unembellished tone.

During the ...