*A split second before she reaches them, he sees her. And stops. Just stops, his over-bright eyes the only part of him moving, watching her approach. The tear set upon his lips seems to free his movement, and he tries to talk, but can think of no words to say. His mouth moves vaguely, soundlessly, then closes. His face is blank, but his eyes shine with a long regret full of sorrow and love.*

*She offers a hug. Wordlessly, the Eighth Bright Shiner takes his closest sister into his arms and closes his green eyes, resting her head on his chest and his head upon hers, in silence.*

*