She wants to tell her that it’s alright, but it’s not. It’s not alright. It tore Tevos in two, destroying her from the inside out. The councilor refuses to lie to her child. “It’s…neither here nor there, Liselle. …What matters is that you are here now.”
And though she is constantly reminded of her daughter’s disappearance, the girl’s bright eyes staring up at her mother helps to ground Tevos, just as the mug in Liselle’s hands is soothing her.
Liselle’s completely silent, her shoulders dropping just a little. Her hands go a little slack, and she nearly looses her grip on the mug, but her fingers quickly tighten around the mug between. She lifts it to her lips and takes a mouthful of it. It’s still hot enough to burn, but she ignores the flash of pain in her mouth and throat.
She sets the mug down now, slipping it under her chair so that she doesn’t kick it over on accident, and then leans forward until she can get her arms around her mother, nuzzling into her neck again. She’s starting to feel better now, no longer feeling ill and shaky. Her head’s clearing, and her heart’s starting to settle back into a resting pace.
"I’m still sorry," she murmurs. She’s quiet for a long moment. "I love you, Mom."
“Don’t be sorry,” Tevos whispers, clearly surprised by her daughter’s touch. “I love you too, Liselle,” she says, beginning to curl around her daughter protectively.
She feels Liselle’s tense muscles begin to relax, and is grateful for it. She was worried - still is, but is relieved when she doesn’t seem to be as panicked as she had. “…Do you need anything?” She asks, almost hesitant. She really doesn’t want to let go.