Page 27 of In Your Light

“I know. I just...”

“Need to see the outside world.”

Fyn nodded. “I’m not going far. It’s just down the mountain. I’ll come back up to the boundary and meet you, and we’ll hang out, go running together.”

For the briefest moment, Fyn thought Zaq might actually smile. But no. He looked to the floor and gave a nod. “Yeah.”

“I’ll miss you,” Fyn said.

“But not enough to stay,” Zaq said and then winced. “Sorry. That wasn’t fair. I’ll miss you too.”

“It’s fair,” Fyn said. “You’re allowed to be sad and get mad at me. Just not for long, okay? And you’ll see Eva again soon, at the next festival. Next thing you know, there’ll be the pitter patter of tiny hooves.”

Zaq laughed and his cheeks flushed pink, but he didn’t deny it.

“You have a future here,” Fyn said. “And it’s perfect. I’m happy for you. But there’s no mate here for me. My future is...”

“Down the mountain,” Zaq said quietly.

“Yeah.” Fyn couldn’t explain how or why, but he just knew he had to do this. “There’s something there for me. I know there is. I can feel it.”

Zaq nodded again, and this time when their eyes met, he seemed more at peace. “You better meet me at the boundary.”

“Two days from tomorrow. Be there.”

“I will.”

“And if Pax gives you any grief⁠—”

“He’ll be fine. He was always harder on you than anyone else.”

“I know.”

They looked at each other and laughed. Then Zaq nodded to the door. “I better go.”

“Come see me off in the morning.”

“Of course.”

Fyn watched Zaq leave, and although he was sad about leaving his best friend, he was also excited about what his future held.

And as he lay in his bed in his small, dark, humble room, he couldn’t help but smile.

He had no idea if he’d ever be allowed back, but he didn’t think Pax would stay mad at him forever, so maybe he could visit for a few hours one day soon. But he wasn’t scared or nervous.

This was his chosen path.

He barely slept. He was far too excited. He didn’t stop for breakfast, even though Gil had offered him a bowl of oats. It didn’t feel right taking their food, their supplies, when he wasn’t contributing, wasn’t providing. When he was no longer a part of the herd.

The old man noticed the rucksack on Fyn’s back and gave him a nod. He might have been a bit sad, but there was a hint of approval in his eyes.

Voh and Cyd stood by the path.

“Will you miss us?” Voh asked.

“I’ll miss you both the most,” Fyn said.

“When are you coming back?” Cyd asked, his eyes wide.