“No,” he said roughly, turning to look at her. “You’re *squee!*ing done. You come into our habitat that we’re only barely surviving in, and we greet you and two others with open arms. Then, you break the rules the first time, and almost get August killed. Then, you break the rules again, leaving when I specifically tell you not to. And now, you have the audacity to demand *squee!*. You’re *squee!*ing done. Rot in these woods.”
She took a few breaths, losing herself a bit as she dropped the rock. She quickly to leave, shaking her head and letting out a single, small sob that was barely audiblem
August stopped Eli, and they spoke for a moment. “Eli... she’ll die out here.” “Good riddance. We’ll throw out Dali and Mo and go back to our regular lives.” “You don’t want that. I know you don’t.” They spoke for a little longer before August came over to her. “Come on, Aspen,” he said tiredly.
She looked at him. Her eyes seemed terrified. "No.. I can't, August.. I- I'll just end up causing more problems and all I've done is bad and now you're hurt and.." her voice was shaky. "I never should have left Icarus."
Eli had already left and August sighed for a moment before coming over to her and hugging her. "It's okay, Aspen. Don't worry, okay? It's alright."
He rubbed her back gently, his hand strong and supportive. "Eli has these little fits, okay? It'll be better in the morning."
They returned the cave, and Eli was already in his den. When they stepped into the light, she would see that August had a black eye and a large gash above his brow.
