My heart was full of pain. I've done this to myself. If I wasn't so self centered, Dan might still be here.

The heat from the lamp above me beat onto my back reminding me of my unique white patch. I never even wanted to be here. If I hadn't gotten hit, maybe we could have had a longer life in the park.

My stomach growled as it yearned for something to satisfy it. I ignored it with a slight whine. The pain slightly distracted me from my aching heart.

Tuskon's voice echoed soundlessly through the room. His words meant nothing, no matter what they were. It was background noise compared to my raging thoughts.

Marcy walked over to smooth a few of her fingers over my muzzle and ear tuffs. I shivered at the affectionate touch. Dan and I had always cuddled underneath the heat lamp. An apple slice was set in front of me and I turned my head away from it. I had no desire to eat even if my stomach demanded it.

It's been like this for the last few days. Days of never-ending pain and sorrow. My historian father would have called something like me, a scalawag. I remember it being an old Scottish/Irish term meaning weak underfed animal. That's what I was, and in the end, all I could ever be was a large mess of sadness. I was worthless without Dan. Completely useless without my sight.

Tuskon hardly bothered trying to get me to do anything anymore. We didn't go on any patrols. I was in no shape to do any scouting and he knew that.

A slight cough came from my throat which had been dry for the past three days. I was getting so much weaker. I barely had the strength to even clear my throat.

Marcy continued to run her fingers along my back and muzzle, trying to convince me to eat or drink at least a tiny bit. Her gentle touch had no such effect. I had even given into being pet by a few of their friends as well, however it stopped at only that as they gave me space to grieve.

Recently my Kymari caretakers have been discussing potential release plans back to the park in hopes of my spirits rising, but I doubt that will do anything to pull me out of my depressed state. The only dragonet I wanted to see was Dan.

There was just nothing left for me here. My eyes fluttered shut for the umpteenth time that day as I let the comfort of sleep take me. My dreams were in full color, as if I could see once more. The sky was blue without a cloud to be seen. The trees surrounding me were tall and covered in plenty of hiding places. I never wanted to leave this place.

Then I turned around, and there was Dan. I felt tears sting at the corners of my eyes as I stared at him a moment longer. His silver scales shone in the light of the midday sun making his beauty ever so eminent. There wasn't a single thing wrong with his perfect scaled figure.

I couldn't hold back as I launched myself at him. I nuzzled him under his chin and let my tears fall.

"I thought I'd never see you again!" My voice couldn't keep from cracking as I cried.

Dan nuzzled me back and held me close with his perfect silver wings. His voice so soft and soothing, "Aspen, you need to go back."

I pulled away and stared up at him with puffy tear stained eyes, "I can't! I want to be with you!"

His smile warmed my heart and caused more tears to spill, "It isn't your time, my love. You still have so much to live for. You need to go back."

I shook my head, "I don't want to live without you, Dan! You are my life!"

Dan pulled me back into his embrace, "Please go back. I want you to live without a single care in the world. I'll still be here for you. I'll always be here for you. Do it for me, Aspen. This is the last thing I ask of you. Please."

The dream started to fade and darkness was consuming me once more. I called out for him not to go, but to no use. I woke up with a slight jolt and turned my head in the direction of the water dish.

The dream was still fresh and I knew I had a choice. However, the choice didn't matter. I had already made up my mind. From the day we first told each other our feelings, I promised myself I'd do anything for him.

I dragged my weak form to the dish and dunked my face in the bowl. I absorbed the water until my throat was no longer dry. There wasn't much I could do in my state, but I could at least eat and drink.

As I lifted my head, I could sense the difference in the atmosphere around me. I opened my eyes and made a click and noticed Tuskon and Marcy were staring right at me. I flattened my ears a little as I was a bit uncomfortable with their silence.

My next destination was the food dish they had set out. I got to eating the delicate strawberries instantly. The dish was empty within no time.

However, I was still weak and still very tired. With my stomach full, I knew Dan would be happy and let my eyes shut in hopes of dreaming of him once again.

* * *

I woke up with a feeling that I recognized. The sun was about to come up. I lifted my head and took in a deep breath. I could smell my two caretakers already waiting in the room.

Tuskon spoke first, "Taureen has told me that their singing in the morning has a kind of healing affect on their minds. She will likely still be upset about his death, but will hopefully be up to doing things again."

I could hear Marcy's hum of agreement as I set my head back down under my wing. Without Dan to show me the sunrise, I had no way of knowing the theme or when to start and stop. The sight of the sun rising is what fuels our hearts to sing another day.

Marcy was speaking softly and I ignored her. My thoughts were still elsewhere. She lifted me up as she always did and examined me with two hands. Curious, I sent out a single click. She was holding me at her eye level.

She adjusted her hold and had me cradled in her arms as she walked to the backyard. The fresh air only reminded me of the games of tag I played with Dan while in the park.

The feeling in my chest grew tighter. The sun was coming up yet it only filled me with sorrow. I wanted to sing but didn't know if I could without Dan.

I dropped my head into Marcy's arm. All I wanted to do was hide. There was no reason for me to be out there. We stayed like that for a while longer. The Morning Song was surely over by the time Marcy took us back inside.

She continued to hold me as she whispered to Tuskon, "She isn't any better than she was last night."

Tuskon let out a long sigh, "At least she's eating again."

Marcy set me back down underneath the heat lamp and I was more than content on going back to sleep and wondering what to do with my life. I was still a useless heap of scales even if I was eating again.

Marcy, however, was not done with the conversation, "Something else has to be wrong for her not to be singing."

I couldn't tell who's foot steps where who's as Tuskon conversed with her, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have her check up early."

I yelped a tiny "pip" as I was unexpectedly picked up. My harness was put on and I was held close to Marcy. Her scent had become so familiar to me, but I still would always remember and prefer the scent of Dan.

Before I realized what was fully going on, we were already out the front door. Then, like no time had passed whatsoever, we were in the familiar building with the exotic animal stench. I would have never guessed I had fallen asleep from how dark my vision was, but that is the only solution I could come up with to explain the sudden time jump.