“But that’s what sneaking means!” She laughed and looked up at him fondly. “Both, Likundû. Birds can be very vicious, you know. And with that bright color, I worry who might catch sight of you here.” A mischievous little smile graced her lips and she gave him a gentle shove before darting away.
“Is that so? It looked very much like you were sneaking to me! Not very well, but still sneaking.” She grinned at him. “So do I, but I know better than to wear it. Careful, the female cardinals might flock to you.”
“Why red? You know you stand out, yes? Like a bird trying to attract a mate. I could see you from a mile away, even with your sneaking. If I can see you, others will too.”
“I will never forget you, îdênja.”
“I have happiness. And I spread happiness and healing wherever my feet take me, if I can. I just wish— I could share it with you. But since you won’t let me, all I want is for you to find peace some how. Promise me, even if it’s a lie.”
“I promise that I will find my peace, in time. For now, I will take comfort in knowing that, when we part ways, you are alive and happy.”
“If your heart was lifeless you wouldn’t bother to try to push me away! But that’s what you’re doing. And it’s not— it’s not fair. If what we had— is really over, then at least give me closure.”
“You care. You still care. And that’s not what an evil person does.”
“Maybe not, but I do. You’ve done bad things, I know. But I don’t think you’re all bad. I can’t. No one’s all bad. Neither of us are the same as we were back then. Different isn’t always bad.”
“I know, I know it isn’t. But I know as well that the different I am is nothing but evil. You should not have so much faith in me–!”