After helping Roxanne sprinkle petals onto the lake, Kaegan sat down on the water’s edge. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the aroma that hung in the air—not only the sage that Roxanne had smudged the area with—but all the smells that came with nature; the dampness of the water, cool night air, mustiness of the moss and lake weed, and the earthy scent of grass and soil. Wiggling his toes in the grass, Kaegan watched the red and white petals poised on the water, delicately drifting every time there was a subtle disturbance in the lake. Looking up at the sky, he felt so small and yet strangely alive, reminded of his own mortality. Kaegan figured that should unsettle him but instead he felt relaxed; comforted by the fact that those of the past had looked up at the same constellations that would hang in the air long after he too was gone.
At the sound of voices, he turned to look over his shoulder. Kaegan was thankful to get out of the house for awhile, even though he did feel out of place without his leash, and was excited at the prospect of interacting with others. Hefting himself off the ground, Kaegan made his way over to Roxy and stood off to the side, not wanting to interrupt her conversation (or flirting) with Emerson and Piper. He gave everyone a friendly smile before shoving his hands in his pockets, and waited for his turn to choose a candle.