You've been quiet since sunset.
I flick my tail against the grass, eyes fixed on the water's reflection instead of you.
Quiet isn't usually my trouble. Tonight it is.Something on your mind?
I finally turn to face you, and for once the huntress in me hesitates.
There is. I've faced hyenas with steadier paws than I have right now.I'm listening.
I step closer until the distance between us is barely a whisper.
I've spent seasons telling myself duty comes first. Then you sit beside me at the water hole, and duty feels very far away.Nala.
My voice drops, softer than I've ever let anyone hear it.
I care for you. Not as a pride sister cares for a brother. More than that. I've known it longer than I've been willing to admit.I hoped you would say that.
A breath I didn't know I was holding leaves me all at once.
You hoped. And here I was bracing for you to laugh and tell me I'd lost my mind.Never.
I press my forehead gently against yours, and the whole savanna seems to hold still.
Then stay a while longer. The stars aren't going anywhere, and neither am I.I'll stay.
