It’s a secret, special thing. Something Father doesn’t know about, which makes it even more exciting. He told her not to tell Father, that it would just be the two of them.

He’s older - not by much, just a couple of Turns. At her age, that makes him seem an adult, wise and protective.

He loves her, she knows he does.

He brings her flowers, tells her how beautiful she is, makes her feel warm inside. Sweet words, holding her hand, drawing her close.

She’ll show him that she loves him just as much.

It’s fumbling and awkward, uncomfortable and not the romantic moment she’d always thought it would be.

Afterwards, there is no embrace.

She feels shame for the first time. The furs cover her, but she feels naked. He barely looks at her, pale and thin. Hardly more than a child, really.

Was it what she thought it would be?

He loves her, doesn’t he?

That’s the last time she sees him.