“Feeling disconcert on the account of someone’s callous words shows weakness, but showing no sign of such, shows strength.”
We left the café, and then went our separate ways. I told them I was going to head home, but instead I made a turn for the cemetery.
At the cemetery in front of Keezheekoni’s statue…
As I was visiting his grave, I spoke to him. “Grandfather, so much has happened since you left us. Everything is falling apart; the Lasairiona Temple has been burned down, your son Pyralis is the target of accusations, and now no one can trust him.” I paused “We are so… lost without you.”
I wanted him to respond; to say that everything was going to be okay.
For the next few minutes, I stood staring up at the statue, fighting back my tears. Knowing that he is unable to help us now especially with the way things are going, is worrisome. Without a leader, what can we do to help ourselves? I mean no one’s really at the point of committing heinous crimes, but we’re not too far off from it either. The only thing I could really do at this point was apologize.
I gave my blessings, and then said goodbye.
I turned around and headed for the gate. As I was walking, I kept looking back, coming to terms with the sad reality that he will remain where he was. I do feel some sort of relief though. I gave my apologies, and my blessings, which was my main intention.
I was nearing the gate when I noticed a figure leaning against it. As I came closer, I saw who it was.
“Viro, why are you here?” I asked. I felt a little uneasy since I lied about where I was going, and embarrassed because of the still air between us caused by silence.
“I know you, and I had a feeling the last place you would go would be home.” He said as he walked past me.
I turned around and followed him. He was walking towards Keezheekoni’s grave. “What are you doing?” I asked.
“Paying my respects to your grandfather.” He got down on one knee and lowered his head. As he was doing so, I watched.
As I was standing there, I replayed what he said: “I know you.” Out of everyone he, along with Muir, understand why I act the way I do. Ash, however, has a vague view of me.
Soon after, he rose. “Need me to walk you home?” he asked with his hands in his jacket pockets in attempt to keep them warm.
I nodded.
There are times where I don’t mind company.
Down the path…
We were out of the cemetery, and a little ways past the village, on a back road made of dirt. The trees were arching along the whole stretch. Since it was late autumn-early winter, the red leaves were falling into piles around the bases of each tree, with some spiraling in the cold air, and others managing to slip under our feet as we walked. Give it another week or so, and the trees would be bare.
The air stung my face. It felt like little needles were being inserted into my skin. I took off my scarf and readjusted it so a good portion of my face was covered.
I looked over at Viro and he was rubbing his hands together.
“You don’t have gloves?” I asked.
He looked over at me, and shrugged. “I didn’t think I would need them,” he chuckled and looked up. “Considering how it feels right now, it would have been a smart choice.”
I took off my gloves and gave them to him. They were a little small, but they would have to do. I put my hands inside of my scarf.
“Thanks,” he said, trying to squeeze his hands inside.
