"What is going on with those two?" Ducky asked out of concerned as she came to a stop. A couple of seconds later, she felt herself get bumped into.
"Oooof," Ducky grunted before she turned around to see who had run into her. Aurelia was shaking her head, and was obviously embarrassed.
"Sorry 'bout that, Ducky. I was off somewhere else and not watchin' where I was goin'," Aurelia said.
"That is okay, yep yep yep," Ducky replied as the two continued walking in order to keep the herd moving. "What were you thinking about, if I may ask?"
"Uh...I should not talk about it, considering the circumstances," Aurelia replied. Ducky, who was still obviously depressed, caught on a few moments later.
"You were thinking about your family, were you not?" Ducky asked. Aurelia nodded, and Ducky looked at the ground. She was walking next to Aurelia so she could talk with her. Renn walked in front of them in order to give them space.
"I'm sorry, Ducky, but I could not help but think about 'em after I saw what happened with your family today," Aurelia whispered.
"No need to apologize, no no no. May I ask you a question?"
"What is it, Ducky?" Aurelia replied compassionately. Ducky swallowed hard as she fought back tears.
"Do you ever forget the loss of your family?" she choked.
"Of course not, Ducky. You'll always miss 'em. However, as more and more bright circles come and go, it will become easier for ya to accept and handle your loss. In your case, I'm sure it'll take ya longer than it did me. You've grown up with your family. I never had that opportunity," Aurelia answered.
"I am sorry to hear that, yes I am," Ducky choked again as she felt herself become tearful.
"Thanks, Ducky. By the way, unlike myself, you've still got a couple of family members left. Your brother Spike is still here, and so is your mate Renn. You've still got those two," Aurelia said before she looked at Ducky. Ducky was crying at this point.
"Ya know, my folks once told me that not even death can separate us. I thought that was a pile of sharptooth crap back then, but after they died, I realized they were absolutely right. I could still hear their voices guiding me, and I still felt like they were there with me, protecting me. They were so right, and so I'm passin' this onto yourself. Your family is still with ya, watchin' over yourself and all those ya care about. When ya think about it, Ducky, you're never truly alone. I know it may feel like you're all by yourself, but look at it this way. You've got Renn, Spike, and all your best friends in the world. On top of that, your family's always with ya, even if they can't be seen," Aurelia added. She wanted to stop and comfort her friend, but did not want to stop the herd, so she reached over and gently nudged Ducky's shoulder.
"Feel better?" Aurelia asked.
"Not much, oh no no no," Ducky sniffled.
"It'll become easier to handle, Ducky, and someday you'll be back to that happy-go-lucky swimmer we all know. Just keep in mind what I've told ya," Aurelia said.
"Thank you. I have really found our conversation to be helpful, yes I have," Ducky said as she smiled as best as she could.
"You're very welcome. Glad to hear it," Aurelia smiled back as they kept walking.
