Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Beginning

Author's Note:

Hello!

Unfortunately, I haven't finished the Epilogue yet. However, I finally got the last chapter wrapped up yesterday afternoon, and my proofreader just got back to me saying it looked good to go. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

I thought it fitting to call this chapter The Beginning, instead of The End. You'll see why 😀

Thank you all so much for your patience, and let me know what you think!

TW-PTSD, Mention of Alcoholism, Mention of Suicidal Ideation

Sam nearly stumbles into his father's chest, desperately wrapping his arms around Kent as if he might disappear if he doesn't hold on tightly enough. Kent is there to catch him, but does not meet Sam with the same amount of emotion that he's displaying.

Kent's eyes widen slightly as Sam struggles to hold himself upright with surprised tears forming in his eyes. After the initial shock of the sudden contact, Kent clenches his jaw into a small scowl. "Stand up straight, Son. You're a man now, I'm not here to hold you."

You recoil slightly at the sharp edge in his tone. The Kent you know and love was always so warm, welcoming, and playfully affectionate - much like Sam. You hope that Kent is just tired, stressed, overwhelmed from the travel. You hope he isn't trapped somewhere beneath the burden of fighting a losing war, or worse - gone forever.

Sam straightens, wiping at his eyes. He is visibly shaking, clearly emotional from the unexpected arrival of his father. "S-sorry, dad," he strains, his voice trembling. "I d-didn't know you were coming home! Did we win the war? Are you okay? I have so many questions!"

"Well, I'm home now. We've got all the time in the world to answer them," he grunts. "No need to bombard me with them all right now. I'm not allowed to speak on the current state of the war, but I'm uninjured."

Every word from Kent's tongue seems to cut through Sam like sharp blades. His demeanor changes from surprise, relief, and gratitude, to something like dismay, disappointment, and sadness. "I'm...glad you're okay," he whispers.

"Mr. Kent," you start softly, wanting to take his line of fire off of Sam for a moment. You hope that by reminding him that others are present, he might relax. "Would you like to come in for some tea or coffee? We were just watching a movie with Penny and Sebastian, but we'd be happy to come back to that later. I'm sure you and Sam have a lot to talk about."

"That won't be necessary," he responds quickly. "As I said, Samson and I have plenty of time to catch up. It doesn't need to happen all at once. Go back to watching your movie, and I'll see you at home for dinner, son."

You can almost see Sam's inner child begin to slip away.

You refuse to allow that to happen.

"Sir," you start, placing your hands on Sam's trembling shoulder. "Your son hasn't seen you in over three years. He's confided in me countless times, worrying that you wouldn't even make it home. Judging by his reaction, your return was a surprise. I can assure you that Sam would rather sacrifice this movie to be able to spend time with you, and reconnect with you after so many years. A lot has happened for him, and I'm sure a lot has changed for you, too. Don't you think he deserves some time with his dad, after so long? If not here, maybe you could take a walk together?"

Kent shuts his eyes, and his jaw relaxes slightly. He takes a deep breath. "Alright, then. Samson, would you like to walk home with me, and we can talk? I'll answer any questions that you may have."