Shameless Sister

The word “good” might be applicable to Gonzalo but not in the case of their relationship. She was tempted to answer Rain that he was. Yet, lying to Rain didn't feel right either. It was a truth she would have to face sooner or later, and building a foundation of trust meant honesty, even in fragments.

"Well, honey," she began, searching for the right things to say, "being a good leader is complicated. Sometimes, even good people have to make difficult choices."

"Difficult choices?" Rain repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Yes," River continued, her voice soft. "Sometimes, those choices can hurt the people they love."

She couldn't explain the complexities of pack politics, betrayal, and ambition to a child. But she could plant a seed of understanding – a seed that hopefully would blossom into empathy when Rain was older.

"Did my father make a choice that hurt us?" Rain's voice was small, and it pained River to hint at sadness in her daughter’s voice.

River could feel guilt