Chapter 88- Elysium

~ Knox ~

When I finally step out, freshly cleaned and dressed, Tyler’s tantrum has quieted. I spot her and Melissa near the campfire, the little one sniffling against her mother’s shoulder. Melissa’s hand moves soothingly up and down Tyler’s back, offering both comfort and a gentle reprimand.

“I know it’s a lot to take in, and it’s all happening so fast,” Melissa murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to Tyler’s hair. “It probably feels like all these changes are swirling around you, and you don’t understand why—just that all the grown-ups keep telling you that everything’s going to be different, without asking you how you feel about it.”

Tyler nods, rubbing her wet, salty skin over Melissa's collar. A wave of guilt washes over me. Here I thought her tantrum was just regular toddler mood swings- I Took it at face value, but Melissa knew instantly. I wonder if it's maternal intuition, or simply experience and knowing the pup so much better than I do.

A few weeks ago I would have felt bitter ab