Chapter 63. Grief

8 years ago KAMIL'S POV

KAMIL IS DISCOURAGED. THE Goddess stares back at him unhelpful, mute. He thinks she is smiling at his uneasiness, at the tightness of his heart but that can not be. She won't mock or laugh at his sadness.

She is a listening ear. But Kamil wants more than that. He wants comfort, reassurance. Even platitudes will work. He has foregone on a solution: a solution is not what he needs.

A promise. A shield from this hurt. From this echo in his guts. Maybe he is being punished. When was the last time he had prayed? The last time he had sought the Goddess out?

Not because he's asking for something but because he is calmed by her presence, by her silence, gratified by her power.

The incense in the shrine needs to be changed. It is harsh. It burns his eyes. His throat feels like it is roughened by sand. His legs cramps. His knees hurt. He is getting sidetracked.

Kamil came with offerings. Peace offering—apology offerings for discardi