The New Helel

Dareios IX

Marduk held Dareios as the latter sobbed into his chest. He slowly ran his fingers through Dareios' hair, gently touching the soft braid. "Is it your father?"

Dareios nodded and wiped away his tears. "He's only gotten worse. His concentration and memory are nowhere near where they used to be."

Marduk kissed the top of Dareios' head. "I'm so sorry to hear that," he said as he embraced the boy. "Is there anything I can do?"

Dareios shook his head and sighed. "Nothing at all, it seems." He paused for a brief moment. "Well, I suppose cuddling would be nice."

Marduk beamed. "That's exactly what I'm here for."

*

"Rei-Rei? Are you there?"

Daerios paused his current thoughts to address Bethesda's question. "I apologize, I was distracted. Whatever do you need?"

Bethesda frowned. "It's not like you to zone out. What happened?"

"Just my father," Dareios muttered.

"I have a feeling it's more than that." Bethesda crossed her arms and leaned on a wall.

"It is nothing, Bethesda." Dareios looked up at her and gave her a sad smile. "I am fine, I assure you. Everything will be alright."

"It won't be. You need to tell me what's wrong, Dareios. Before it gets worse."

Dareios stared at his desk. He opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't find the words he needed. "I ..."
He paused for a moment of hesitation. "I don't know."

"You don't know what?"

Dareios remained silent. After a while, it dawned on him. "I miss Marduk."

"Just Marduk?"

He shook his head, but didn't respond. The silence hung heavy in the air before it finally broke at the sound of his whisper. "No."

Dareios closed his eyes, recalling memories that had long since disappeared. "Remember the day we met?"

She smiled. "You were so happy then."

"Yes," he said. "Everything was so simple. It is too bad that has changed."

Bethesda embraced Dareios in an awkward hug. "Hey, you've still got me," she reminded him. "We'll get through this together. Let's focus on how you're feeling right now, m'kay?

" ... Alright."