Watching in quiet awe as his parents so confidently surrendered their fears to the blood moon, the little bean began to ponder. Was it really that simple? Could the moon truly take away such hurt?

Before he could think much longer, his sister spoke up. Faolán glanced at her curiously, eyes soft with a tender, familial adoration. If she could be brave, then so could he. I’m afraid of my family! he blurted with eager sincerity.. wait, that wasn’t quite right. Um… family gone, he corrected, voice small and uncertain as his face burned with embarrassment.

The thought of being alone, of losing the ones he loved, filled him with dread. He didn’t like this moon, but the idea of losing his family was far worse.

Trying to mirror the confidence Saorlaith had shown, he spoke the ancient words. Thoir air falbh e, thoir air falbh e. (Take it away, take it away.) Much like his sister, the phrasing wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t care. Deep down, he felt the moon understood him all the same.

Looking to his father for approval, he waited with bated breath, tail flicking with anxious anticipation. To make his Da proud meant everything to him.