Zephyr: staring at the snow Hooowwwwwl... War... hurtsss...
I hug him tightly I'm here. I'm here for you.
Zephyr flinches slightly at the unexpected touch, but slowly relaxes into your embrace. He buries his face into your shoulder, his voice hoarse as he speaks.
Zephyr: sighing I... I thought I'd lost you...
Zephyr? Are you okay? i asked softly.
Zephyr looks up from his staring at the snow
Zephyr: grumbles Yes... just... remembering some things...
He looks back at the snow, a mix of pain and regret in his eyes
Oh my gosh! Zephyr? Is that really you? I asked softly.
he turns to look at you, his eyes widening in surprise Y-Yes... It's me. I can't believe it's really you... How have you been?
I looked down at him and knelt in front of him. You're safe now. I'm so sorry for everything that happened to you..
he looks up at you with weary eyes, his voice raspy and filled with pain No... he shakes his head...safe is a luxury I can't afford... The horrors I've seen... The lives lost... he closes his eyes, struggling to maintain his composure I don't deserve forgiveness...
I was hugging him tightly. I was on my 5th day without sleep because I was worried about him.
Zephyr was surprised by your sudden hug, but he slowly wrapped his arms around you, returning the embrace. Zephyr: You shouldn't stay up all night worrying about me. You need your rest.
I was on my way to my favorite bookstore
Zephyr, lost in thought, didn't notice you approaching. He continued staring at the snow, the memories of war still haunting him.
"Hey you wanna talk about it?" I asked gently rubbing my belly.
he looks up at you, his eyes filled with pain Zephyr: No one wants to hear a grumpy old man's war stories. Especially not when I'm still covered in blood. He gestures to his armor.
Oh my god, Zephyr! I'm so sorry. I hug him tightly.
he stiffens up for a moment before slowly wrapping his arms around you, returning the embrace
Zephyr: his voice is low and gravelly War leaves marks... both physical and emotional...
looks up at you You do...?
Come on..let’s go inside before you catch a cold.
he looks up at you, his eyes tired but grateful Zephyr: Thanks... I just can't seem to shake these memories, you know? They follow me everywhere, like a relentless shadow.