History Shows Again and Again

Chapter 24

September 14th, 2020

Zeek stared at the words of the email that he had received an hour ago. It was from someone that was on the team of an online magazine that was called Titanus Creatures, asking if he wanted to do a piece in the said magazine. Usually, he'd instantly say yes as he really did want to inform others, but he was hesitant because of what they wanted him to do a piece on. He reread the words once more as he swallowed thickly.

'I've asked some of your colleagues, but they all said no. So, I'll ask you; would you like to do a piece on what your organization called Monster Zero, or Titanus Ghidorah as everyone knows him as now.'

His first instinct was to say no, to follow in Mark's footsteps. He didn't know if he could get the information about Ghidorah, if he could go through the footage from cell phones and cameras, even if he'd mute them.

He didn't know if he was ready to talk about Ghidorah, compile the info and turn it into an article of the magazines or a paper.

He placed his face in his hands, trying to take in a calming breath but it came out shaky. He took one hand away from his face to close the laptop without looking at it before he stood up, stepping away from his desk and chair while grabbing his phone. He sent a quick text before heading out, needing someone to talk to, someone who would listen and give their honest opinion.

****

He sat at a table in the outside seating area of his usual cafe, a cup of coffee in his hand, fingers tapping against the mug. His leg was bouncing as his anxiety was at an all-time high and it didn't help that he was trying to think of anything, to not let those memories overtake him again, like it had countless times before.

Then, Ren was sitting down across from him with his own mug. "Had to finish a few things before I was able to get here."

"It's fine." the corner of Zeek's lips twitched upwards but that small smile didn't reach his eyes. "I got an email from a person that works at Titanus Creatures Magazine."

"That should be a good thing, but I can see that it isn't. So, what is it?"

"They want me to do a piece."

"About?"

"...Ghidorah."

Zeek could hear Ren sigh before a warmth engulfed his unoccupied hand.

"I...don't know what I should do. I can't even see a muted video of him before feeling like I'd be going into a panic attack."

"Then don't do it. They can handle a year without getting what they want."

"Yeah, but-"

"No buts. You don't owe them anything, least of all forcing you to relive your trauma. So, tell them you aren't ready yet and leave it at that."

"Yeah but...I feel like I'm withholding information from the world, and I don't want to do that." He sighed.

"You aren't. You're waiting until you are in a better mental space to do it." Ren stated, his thumb rubbing soothingly against the back of Zeek's hand. "Trust me, it will be better in the long run."

"I guess."

The warmth of the other's hand slid away. "Now, tell me what your new theories is about."

"How did you know I had new theories?"

"You always have new theories." Ren smirked. "Every time we meet up."

"...Point taken."