My cub has someone of her own now. Maybe, in another life, that little girl could have been mine, too. “She looks just like you, tiger cub,” I say softly and turn to leave. “Yes. Except for her eyes,” Nera answers, her voice hoarse and trembling. “She has her father’s eyes. Pale-gray, like the break of first light to end a starless night.” I swivel around so fast that my duffel bag hits the door frame. Faint ringing settles in my ears, getting louder with every heartbeat until my head feels like it’s going to explode. Nera is still in the same spot as before, but she’s facing me now, while
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