Because he loved him..

20. Dilemma

'Happiness never befriended me'

*Samar's point of view *

I looked at mum and Sally before opening the door and they quickly wiped their eyes and stood a little bit taller.

I opened the door wondering who could be there, this late at night.

Amay was standing there clutching Arlo's hands like his life depended on it.

He was bruised in several places and even Arlo was bleeding. I heard Sally and mum gasp behind me.

"Amay? What are you-- what's going on?"

He looked back once and quickly shut the door behind him. He looked fidgety.

I raised my eyebrows. He took a deep, exhausted breath and pushed Arlo towards us.

A puffy eyed Arlo looked back at him in confusion.

"Please dress his wounds. His knees are bruised as well," he panted, "they will get infected."

Mum stepped ahead and hugged Amay. He stumbled back in shock.

"I am so sorry, my dear child. I didn't know. Please forgive me." When Mum didn't release him, Amay collapsed in her arms.

"I am really sorry Mrs. Clay!" He sobbed but suddenly he looked at me desperately.

Sally approached Arlo and held his arm.
"Mom, could you help me get Arlo in the bedroom? I will go get the first aid kit."

Mum nodded with a sniffle and they went inside. Sally carried Arlo in her arms, his eyes never leaving Amay. When they left the room, Amay began speaking.

"Please keep Arlo with you. Raise him as your own son." He wheezed.

"Pass Mrs. Clay my apologies for all the pain I caused her. Tell Arlo that his da loves him." Tears started falling from his eyes.

What the hell was going on?

"What do you mean, Amay. Where are you going? Why are you guys hurt?" I asked again, desperately.

"I don't have much time Sam. It's the only way I can keep Arlo safe. I have to--"

"Stop it Amay! You aren't going anywhere. You need to see a doctor! Let me take you to the hospital. "

"No," he gasped again. "I have to get back in an hour. Sam...," he finally looked at me in the eyes.

His demeanour was so desperate and yet rushed. It felt like he wanted to drink my sight enough to last him a lifetime.

His eyes played a medley of emotions. There were tears and a faint smile. There was misery, sleep and relief but mostly there was resignation.

Was he really giving up Arlo to us? I wanted to be happy, I was grateful but my heart bled for him. Did he do this for Sally's happiness. Did he feel it was his responsibility ?

"Please tell Sally to not leave him alone at night, he often has nightmares"

He reached out as if to hug me but then sniffed and opened the door with a stumble and darted out.

I ran out after him and my feet slipped in the lawn, he didn't even look back.

I stood up, looking towards the gate where Amay had disappeared.

Sally's concerned voice called me. I went back inside. Mum and Sally were looking at me.

"Where is Arlo? Is he okay?" I asked.