In Fatima's Absence

“We should leave, we should go look for her,” Tindle insisted, repeating this daily mantra since he had arrived.

Jonathon had fed and watered the hounds for three weeks, and still Fatima had not returned ...

“She would not leave them, I know she would not abandon their care”, he said belatedly, stroking Peter’s head affectionately.

“I agree”, replied Tindle quietly - who was sensitive to his new friend’s calamity.

In his imagining he had thought Fatima to be the most worthy and virtuous match of all.

“I know not what to do going forward”, said Jonathon explaining his vacancy, as he likewise stroked the scruff of the mastiff’s crown.

“There is none here to feed them, the sick can hardly procure their own meat and meal.” Tindle was persuasive to his doubt.

“Then we shall have to take them with us, and they can search alongside us.”

“That they can. Then, needs must - we finally have a plan."

-Gabriel Brunsdon, Finding Self - Second Guesses- Azlander Series