Ryder could see it on Bigby's face. He was going out to hunt more, she caught him staring off into the woods, just longing. He wanted to leave and get back to the woods, but she was weighing him down. Keeping him grounded. She didn't dare bring it up, too afraid that asking will edge him to run more.
So she waited. For what? Ryder wasn't exactly sure. Little thoughts began to nag at her. Eat at her. You'll wake up one morning and he'll just be gone. He's gonna go out hunting and never come back. He'll go on a patrol around the house and never look back. He'll leave you behind.
It was pure hell. Her stomach constantly felt like it was in knots. She felt like she was constantly on edge. She watched Bigby like a hawk looking at its prey, and he noticed. Eventually, her worst fears became reality.
It was a lovely summer night. The two of them had their bellies full of deer and crickets were singing to them. But there was a heaviness in the air. Something unsaid. Something changing.
It had taken Bigby over an hour to even think of what to say to Ryder. He never imagined it would be hard to say goodbye to her. He'd grown so easily attached to her. He loved her, but it was time to say goodbye. Ryder was cleaning up the dishes, he was sitting in the living room, when Bigby finally said something.
"Ryder I...I think we need to have a talk..." as soon as he said that she stopped what she was doing. Her blood ran cold and he could hear her heart stop for a moment. He was afraid she would drop dead for a moment. She set the dishes down gently, dried her hands, and walked over to a Bigby. The look on her face completely shattered his heart.
She looked like he had just stabbed her in the back. "It's about you right? You have to leave?" Her voice was quiet. It was deprived of the bright light it normally had and was replaced by a pool of sadness. He could have sworn her voice shivered at the end.
He stood up, he didn't know what to do other than nod. "I just...I can't fight it this, not anymore. That want to hunt and move around..." he didn't know how to word it. He never hated being a wolf more than now. Ryder nodded, she was looking down. She could feel her throat begin to burn and tear starting to flow behind her eyes.
She couldn't cry, she can't tie him down. There had to be a way for her to see him if he- when he leaves...something, anything..."let me come with you." Ryder said.
