Page 49 of In Darkness and Dank

“Oh, okay. Wasn’t sure if Bal was gonna start dropping hints, like asking us about baby names or something.”

“Eh. No names yet. No worry.”

“Good.” Kittisak hesitated. “What happened to her mate?”

“Luihu.” Shu smiled sadly. “He went to moon.”

“Went to… oh.” Kittisak grimaced. “He died?”

“Yes. He leave lagoon. Looking for rujas. Bal’s favorite berry, grows far from here. Near mountain. He come home, but with sickness. He died.”

“Sickness?”

Shu was clearly struggling for the right word before he said, “Eh, poison.”

“I’m so sorry!” Kittisak gasped. “Poison? Seriously?”

“Poison water at mountain,” Shu explained. “Luihu did not know.” He fidgeted. “Mano there. Build things. Make water poison.”

Kittisak felt even worse knowing that humans were responsible, and he wondered if Luihu’s death was connected to the monster reported being seen by the workers at that lumber yard that Denninger had mentioned. He frowned and not knowing what to say, he said again, “I’m so sorry.”

“Eh. Not Kitty.” Shu smiled sadly. “It’s okay.”

“Still feel like shit anyway. Is… Is Bal all right? I mean, since she’s gonna be raising that baby alone?”

“Bal okay. Bal not alone. Family here. Shu here. That why Shu here for hatching.”

“Oh. Is that normally a thing for the mate to do?”

“Huh.” Shu nodded. “Hatching day for mates. No mate, so Shu here for Hue and Bal.”

“You’re like a godfather!”

Shu chirped curiously.

“It’s someone who steps up to help take care of a baby. Kind of. They promise to help raise them. Also a really good movie.”

“Huh. Yes. Shu is godfather.”

“That’s nice.” Kittisak yawned abruptly. “Mm, sorry.”

“Tired, Kitty?”

“Yeah.” Kittisak stretched his legs. “I’m feeling so much better, seriously, but I still keep getting worn out so fast. Playing with your nephew kicked my butt. I could pass out right now.”

“Rest?”

“Not yet.” Kittisak leaned his head on Shu’s shoulder, and he closed his eyes. “I like this.”

“I like this too.” Shu wrapped his arm around Kittisak.

Kittisak smiled.

“Want to… ask Kitty.” Shu pulled Kittisak a little closer.

“What is it?”

“Tonight is the moon coming,” Shu replied slowly. “It is special time for Rife.”

---