Lulu

Lulu waits for sunset. She remembers the sweltering summer heat over the rye fields, the croak of bullfrogs, the bitter aftertaste of regret. Lulu watches the smoldering sun sink low, into the depths of the sea. It's unusually quiet, making way for the voices from the past to fill the void. As the sun burns red, Lulu wipes a tear from her eye. It's beautiful, too beautiful. She feels as if the embers of her soul are burning down as she stares into the sun, mesmerized.

The sun sets and Lulu is back to the present, alone. She dare not break the silence. Memories of youth's unwavering hope, purpose, and dreams float back into her subconscious. Lulu breathes slowly, drinking in the last colors of dusk. She doesn't get up until the first star appears, and with a sigh, she returns to the Sea and the clan.