Chapter 56
STARING AT DEATH.
AMBER:
I had never heard of an Orhert until I met August and Cleon, and their lives were a tragic compilation of events, since August was admitted in the hospital, Cleon had never left her side, they would sty up at night discussing and laughing, one could hardly imagine the magnanimity of the pain August was being plunged into as the days proceeded and her child grew, that was the power of love like a chainmail. They did love the child that was growing, but their grief was closer to them, it was as close to them as their skins, and they could not simply peel it off without inflicting more pain.
In between hours, I would step in to talk to August who was mourning the imminent loss of her love, and life.
JASON:
The news of the new Orhert’s conception hit me like a wave crashing against the shore. I couldn’t believe what August and Cleon were going through, the weight of their sorrow and the impending separation. I knew I had to be there for them, to provide whatever support I could. It also proved that the goddess was truly on our sides. The birth of an Orhert was like an affirmative nod from the goddess, and it filled my heart with warmth, I just wished that such a beautiful thing did not have to come with so much brutality and pain.
I made my way to the hospital to visit August and Cleon, determined to offer them comfort and reassurance. As I entered the room, I saw Cleon by August’s side, his face etched with devastation. I could see the pain in his eyes, knowing that soon he would have to let go of the woman he loved so deeply. I could not say I understood his pain, I did not know what I would have done if Clarissa were in August’s place and had her death growing inside of her. The couple had just been married and we’re still exploring the depths of their love, they were like kids who had just stumbled across each other, and then stuck together since forever. Cleon rubbed August’s back as she coughed up spurts of blood.
I remembered August when we were both little, memories of her now clung to my skull like mucus, because she was so different from the lively young chubby girl I once knew, she was now as frail as a ghost, and moved as though her very existence were fragile and as ephemeral as dew. As I watched her dwindle with time, I became so sad for her sake — she was bearing the sacrifices while I just stayed and watched and could not help but thank the goddess for the gift of a Orhert. I felt so hypocritical.
I approached them, my voice filled with sincerity, “Cleon, August, I am here for you. I promise to provide you with quality attention and all the comforts you need until the Orhert is born. You won’t have to face this journey alone.” Atleast, my sympathy was sincere, I had placed my self in their shoes over and over again in my mind, and the emotional strain was terrible.
Cleon looked at me, his eyes searching for solace, and I continued, “And after the birth of the Orhert, I’ll be there to support you, Cleon. I understand the immense pain you’re going through, and I’ll do everything in my power to help you heal.”
A glimmer of hope appeared in Cleon’s eyes as he realized he had someone who would stand by him during this difficult time. August, still mourning the separation from her husband, looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. The orherts took only three months to fully mature in the belly of its mother, after which it came out forcefully. On the supposed week of its emergence, the carrier of the orhert was Isolated in a adorned with chrysanthemums and a single midwife, who’s job was to feed and take care of her until the day of her death.
AMBER:
As I watched the interaction between Jason, Cleon, and August, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of compassion for them. Their lives had been turned upside down, and the pain they carried was palpable.
I’m here for you. We will navigate through this together, and I’ll be by your side every step of the way. You’re not alone in this.”
August nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. “Thank you, Amber. Your presence means a lot to me.”
August was the strongest wolf I had met so far, and her strength was contagious, each time I remembered her situation, I was filled with a new found strength.
CLEON:
Although the impending separation from August tore at my heart, Jason’s words brought a glimmer of hope. He was willing to go above and beyond to support us during this challenging journey. I felt a sense of relief knowing that I didn’t have to bear this burden alone.
“Jason, I can’t express how grateful I am for your support,” I said, my voice filled with emotion. “August and I have faced so much pain, but with you by our side, I believe we can find strength to endure.”
August reached out to hold my hand, and together we looked at Jason and Amber, finding solace in the bonds we were forming during this difficult time. Although, no kind of favors and speech could relieve me of the pain, nothing could fill the void that was about to be created inside of me. I would never be able to finish mourning the love of my life.
AUGUST:
The pain of losing what I had with Cleon even before our child was born was almost unbearable. But as I listened to Jason’s promises and felt the warmth of Amber’s compassion, a flicker of hope ignited within me. Scratch that, I felt sad. The sadness was like my bones had been turned to heavy metal, it was a really fearful thing to know exactly what your death looked like, and still be unable to stop it.
“Thank you, Jason,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. “Your support means everything to us. We will hold onto the love we have for our child and find the strength to face the challenges ahead.”
Amber squeezed my hand gently, offering a silent understanding that transcended words. In that moment, I realized that love could be a shield against the darkest of sorrows, and together, we would face whatever lay ahead on this journey of birth and death, and yet I begged for an escape path.