Takoda managed a few more spoonfuls before eventually turning her face away, her appetite disappearing again as her attention drifted toward the Estate.
Sera didn't force her, sensing that there was little point in pushing food on a child whose mind was clearly somewhere else. She placed the bowl beside her on the bench and gently wiped the corner of Takoda's mouth before drawing her closer.
For several moments, Takoda remained quiet against her grandmother, listening to the distant sounds of movement around the gardens while the strange uneasiness inside her continued to grow.
The oppressive feeling she had sensed earlier had weakened considerably, but it had not disappeared completely. Somewhere beyond the garden walls, something was happening, and although she couldn't understand exactly what it was, her instincts kept telling her that it concerned her family.
"Grandma..." she finally murmured.
"Hmm?"
"Is Mommy really going to be okay?"
