(Stolas' pov)
Nearly 30 minutes later, Blitzo came back in the room. He reeked of cigarettes from smoking while on the phone, the stress causing him to chain smoke.
He sighs while tossing the phone on the bed before speaking.
"The morticians are going to... take her body later tonight, around nine they said. Then the cleaners will be Herr early tomorrow."
He lay on the bed beside stolas.
I sit in my bed, quietly weeping, as grief pours from my eyes and soul. Blitzo looks exhausted too, he's obviously... been trying so hard to be there for me... but the stress of this moment has clearly taken its toll... we sit here, silence as we process the tragedy and trauma... there seems to be no escaping it... this pain. The grief is still here but... it's manageable now, Blitzo being beside me is a comfort I couldn't possibly have anticipated... I've never had this before... this is... what love is.
"If you're tired, then you can sleep for a bit, they won't be here for any 30 minutes. I'll stay up, do you want me to wake you when they get here or let you sleep?"
I sniff, wiping my eyes as I turn and look at Blitzo... his exhausted face, his tired eyes... I feel guilty. He's put so much effort into helping me handle this... and here I am... a sobbing mess... his love and compassion should not be spent or wasted on one such as myself... yet he continues to give... he continues to love and care... his kindness and selflessness is overwhelming. I try to smile but I feel tears well up again.
"I'm never going to be able to repay you... for all you've done..."
Blitzo pulled the blanket over stolas' shoulders and looked him in the eyes. He could tell that the prince was exhausted.
"Just go to sleep... I'll be right here until they arrive, and I promise you, that when you wake up in the morning, I'll be right beside you.."
My beak quivers, I try to force back the tears, but the overwhelming grief and emotion are just too strong. I try to pull Blitzo in a hug, but the weakness from the tragedy and the grief is too overwhelming... I collapse onto the bed, sobbing as I give up and let my grief wash over me... but... the feeling of Blitzo being there for me in this moment... it makes it a little easier to bear... a little less terrible... it's still awful, but... I'm not as alone... I'm not as afraid anymore... this is what love is...
Blitzo's eyes widen in surprise and worry when stolas began to sob again. He quickly came to his side, his legs touching his back and his arms on his.
"Oh baby... shhh... I'm right here stolas..."
My tears finally give way and I sob into the bed, Blitzo's affection and compassion is helping me process my grief, but there is so much pain, there is so much misery and despair... it's just... too much.
"Oh god... What am I going to do? She's... she's gone... I'm never going to be the same again... this is... awful... I can not begin to describe the horror of this moment... I.. I feel like screaming... like... letting out every terrible feeling all at once..."
"If you need to scream... to yell... or to cry... I won't judge.
Here, I have an idea, how about... we both take a short walk in the gardens? Hm? We can sit by the fountain... and you can let all of your feelings pour out."
I nod and wipe my eyes, still sobbing. I can't see anything... I can barely breathe... my mind is still foggy, and my heart is still broken... it's like a physical pain in my chest, I'd never experienced anything like this... but the idea of a walk with Blitzo right now... even just to get out of this room... it helps me to calm down.
"Before we go anywhere, I need you to take five deep breaths. Will you try that for me, please?"
I do as Blitzo asks, deeply inhaling and holding for a moment, before exhaling, letting it all out... I do this five times... as I do this... as the tears stop flowing but the sadness... persists in my body, I feel a little calm... it doesn't get rid of the grief... but it makes it feel... more manageable.
