The Journals of Cullen Rutherford 374

melaena:

9:41 21st August

Tomorrow then. Our weapons- vigilance and
sharp eyes. Despite the stories and laughter shared around the fire, I saw the
concern and uncertainly carried in Valerie’s glances. These moments are rare,
but the vulnerability I saw contradicts what I have come to admire.

I anticipated a private conversation and
gladly took first watch. As expected, Valerie emerged from her tent once quiet rest
fell upon the camp. She sat so close to me, I could hear the struggle to breathe
evenly; a sign of her concerns, they soon became mine even without knowing what
troubled her mind.

When she finally spoke, the flood of
words continued without stopping; by the time Valerie had unburdened her
thoughts, several hours had passed.

Valerie’s confidence in her companions,
advisers and her physical strength were not questioned, but rather she
focused on what failure might mean for her, for us and for the future. It
seemed as though the very thought of failing had consumed her.

Offering my thoughts seemed futile, but I
did so without hesitation. I can only hope Valerie heard me.