[ for logan, dated to July 27 ]

[island_anne]

There were moments when Anne's sobs were even louder and more desperate than Matthew's, though Anne certainly had more ways she could have been expressing herself and Matthew had only his cries. Joe could do - and was doing - so much for her, but he could not take this burden from her heart. He could not make Matthew forget that he had gone to

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[echolls_cursed]

It was a small island, tight knit at it's core, and it didn't take very long for word to get back to Logan of Ariel's disappearance.

Logan had always considered himself the last person anyone would want around during a personal crises... But Anne was family, and even though he doubted he'd know what to say or how to help, he found himself lingering outside Anne's hut.

The sound of her sobs mixed with Matthew's cries was enough to make his chest ache and his gut twist. It was a heavy was of emotion, and it took him a moment to bring himself to knock.

"Anne?" he said, raising his voice just loud enough to be heard.

[island_anne]

Anne was quick to try to get herself under control again, for it wouldn't do to answer the door in such a state as she was in, but when she saw that it was Logan she lost all her resolve, letting the tears flow freely down her cheeks again.

Of course he knew, he would have been the first person Joe told after his own partner, so she didn't have to say the words, just close her eyes and press her forehead to his shoulder.

[echolls_cursed]

Logan wasn't one to get emotional if he could help it, but when Anne leaned against him he felt something inside him shatter. His arms wrapped around her instantly as he held her, hushing her softly and rubbing her back.

He wanted to say it would all be okay, but the words caught in his throat. It wouldn't be okay, not anytime soon, and pretending it would be would solve nothing.

"I'm sorry," he said finally, meaning it. "God, Anne, I'm so sorry."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, wild red hair in his face as he closed his eyes and held her just a bit tighter.

[island_anne]

Anne let herself be held for a few moments, let herself remember that there were others who cared for her, but inside she still ached too much for what she'd lost.

"Please take him," said Anne, her voice cracking as she pushed Matthew towards him. "Please, just for a few moments. Please, Logan. He hasn't stopped crying and I just need to... please, only for a few moments. I just need a few moments."