The one who can't be hugged

ㅤ It no longer mattered where Shionne came from. She had become a close companion to them, a loyal friend, caring in her own way for the well-being of those around her. Especially those who, by chance, became her friends… And now, when Shionne needed care, no one could even come close to her except Alphen. But he was not there. Their hearts were breaking with regret. They wanted to embrace Shionne, to warm her soul with their warmth! No one dared take a single step… They knew perfectly well that if they tried to do so, overcoming the thorns, they would cause Shionne more pain than themselves. They would only add to her suffering. Cook something delicious? No one could stomach it, and neither could Shionne. Just sitting there in silence made Shionne look even more dejected: she couldn't even ask to be left alone. But they didn't want to leave her alone either, for then dark thoughts would completely consume her. Words couldn't help either, for at such moments silence conveyed so much more, and words were empty. So all they could do was stand and watch, their arms hanging down, sharing their friend's sorrow. If only she could feel better, if only they could share her pain… ㅤ