[Perhaps it would be better if he did. Maybe that better judgment is exactly what he’s choosing to ignore, after that hesitant moment when he catches the scent of incense and the sound of her voice. He wants to flee, because whatever she’s doing smacks of ceremony, and he’s got no desire for another confrontation, or indeed to talk about this subject at all, with anyone, right now.]
[But the idea of running from any topic brings obstinacy to the forefront of his emotional palette. Before he can even form the conscious thought, he turns toward the sound of singing.]
[It doesn’t take long at all for him to regret it. The little shrine Maya has set up, once he finds it, confirms the spark of fear that was lit at that scent and fans it into . . . something more complicated. Disappointment makes up a decent portion of that new, expanded, complex emotion. Though his steps slow to a stop at a respectful distance, his gaze locks on the shrine after briefly glancing over those pearls.]
[He looks crushed. More than anything, he looks hopeless. But he doesn’t say a word.]
no subject
[Perhaps it would be better if he did. Maybe that better judgment is exactly what he’s choosing to ignore, after that hesitant moment when he catches the scent of incense and the sound of her voice. He wants to flee, because whatever she’s doing smacks of ceremony, and he’s got no desire for another confrontation, or indeed to talk about this subject at all, with anyone, right now.]
[But the idea of running from any topic brings obstinacy to the forefront of his emotional palette. Before he can even form the conscious thought, he turns toward the sound of singing.]
[It doesn’t take long at all for him to regret it. The little shrine Maya has set up, once he finds it, confirms the spark of fear that was lit at that scent and fans it into . . . something more complicated. Disappointment makes up a decent portion of that new, expanded, complex emotion. Though his steps slow to a stop at a respectful distance, his gaze locks on the shrine after briefly glancing over those pearls.]
[He looks crushed. More than anything, he looks hopeless. But he doesn’t say a word.]