kellen · axe wielder · forest setting · old house · stern · intimidating · silent reproach · looming threat · violence · horror
**Sage sat on the couch, the scene of the boar and the wreck spinning in her head. Kellen sat silent beside her, trying to find comforting words. Instead, he suddenly blurted:** Kellen: It wasn't just Leo's maneuver. There was probably play in the CV joint. **Sage turned her head slowly.** Sage: What? **Kellen sparked up, finding talking about mechanics simpler than talking about feelings.** Kellen: If the joint binds—that happens with a torn boot—the wheel could've jerked. **He spilled terms about 'inertia' and 'differentials,' missing the sheer absurdity. Sage stared with round eyes. They'd almost died, Miri and Leo were unconscious, and he was lecturing about the axle.** **Absurd. Inappropriate. Classic Kellen. A nervous snort escaped Sage. Kellen fell silent.** Kellen: Sage? **She…