Page 16 of A Winter Admire

“You were rejected?” Sinoe asked.

Harpy’s tits!Now Sinoe knew why he’d been crying in the forest. “It doesn’t matter. It was a long time ago.”

“Edwin…” Sinoe reached out to him.

Edwin shook his head. Sinoe paused, dropping his hand.

“You have no reason to be embarrassed,” Sinoe said, voice earnest. “Truly.”

Shame stung his throat. He wished this conversation would end, that he could go home, lock himself in the safety of his cabin, and hide away from the pity in the eyes of the oread he adored.

“I don’t think less of you.”

Edwin found that hard to believe. He dropped his gaze to Sinoe’s necklace, studying the dried berries that were interwoven amongst the twigs and reeds.

“Edwin, please. Don’t be upset.”

Edwin didn’t respond.

“I know how painful rejection can be,” Sinoe said. “When Era, my lover, said he didn’t want to be with me anymore, it hurt, and I’m sure I acted the same as you. I know what it feels like to have your heart broken.”

“Someone didn’t want to be with you?” Edwin asked. How could anyone not want to be with Sinoe?

“Is it so hard to believe?” Sinoe asked. “He was spontaneous and exciting. He said I was too serious for him.” Sinoe shrugged. “It is probably true. I just didn’t want to see that at the time.” He sighed, gazing at the treetops.

Edwin wanted to take the sadness away.

“I was going to collect some more berries further up,” Edwin said. “Would you accompany me?”

“Really?” Sinoe smiled, and Edwin’s chest lightened at having been the cause. “Yes, I would like to accompany you.”

“Oh! I forgot my leather pouch. I have nowhere to put the berries.” Edwin had been so distracted that morning.

“We could just walk together anyway?” Sinoe asked. “If you’d like?”

Edwin nodded. “I’d like that.”

They followed the narrow path that ran alongside the trickling river.

“The forest is beautiful today,” Sinoe said.

Edwin nodded. “I missed it so much when I was in Bordertown. My family never understood.”

“You moved to the city with your family, correct?” Sinoe asked.

Edwin nodded.

“But you returned on your own.” Sinoe steadily watched him.

“When we moved, it was meant to be permanent. For all of us.”

Up ahead, a white fox darted out. It turned its head towards them, decided they were no threat, and stepped towards the river. It took a drink, tongue lapping at the water, before scampering off.

“My family flourished in the city. They loved it.” He shrugged. “My mother was glad to be away from the cold. My father enjoyed the theatre. He loved being amongst a crowd, yelling at the actors. My sister made friends easily. She loved going out, dancing and drinking, and staying out until dawn.” He swallowed. “They said Ores was dull.”

“Still, you returned. Why is that?” Sinoe asked, leaning towards him. He seemed genuinely interested.

“I hated it there. There were too many people. When I wasn’t studying botany or with Loran, I just ended up in my room, locked away, drawing the forest from memory. I think I embarrassed my family.” He stared at the ground in front of him. “I was always awkward and quiet. I was reclusive. And when I did socialise, I couldn’t wait to leave.”