Kintsugi

[Ezekiel]

Contrition was met with a grin, which Zeke assumed to be somewhat of a mask. But the speech was telling, full of pain masked in humour. It sharpened Ezekiel’s interest as well as the subtlety of his smile as they walked amongst his people. Here was a man practically begging to be saved, and Zeke was hearkened to the lure of that song, though whether he would offer the tools for salvation or damnation remained to be seen. If the girls were alone when Nox found them it was unlikely anyone was watching over them. But together they paused and spoke to clusters of refugees anyway. The interior of the church was a jumble of blankets, beds, and living space. No one volunteered much. Some just walked away, in fear or anger.

“They will spread the word,” Zeke soothed in a murmur as they moved on. Which was true. The girls were one of their own, even if Nox was not. Should anyone happen to be searching for them, the description Nox provided would reach the right ears. Zeke would make his own enquiries. But in the meantime he considered the heavy weight of guilt Nox burdened himself with. Looking after children was an easy remedy to bolster some self-worth. But the fears of what he might make of them was noted with due interest. He did not think it was what was bothering the other man, though. They paused. A space had opened up around them anyway. People stared but did not choose to come close. “Why have you not been yourself?