The Dam Breaks

"I will help you find your wife. I promise. I will not let your parent's sacrifice be in vain." Tears sprang to my eyes then. I thought that I was incapable of feeling after so much time spent distrusting, pushing people away.

"We're definitely getting in?" his sister had to be sure. She held her youngest son to her bosom as he squirmed.

"Yes."

She embraced her husband and they spun in a little circle of happiness. Then she embraced me.

Something in me snapped at her touch. Some dam broke and every emotion that I had kept inside came rushing out. I squeezed her back and began to sob. Then he came over and embraced us both. Tears were in his eyes.

I sank to the ground, unable to stand on my shaking limbs. I cried for my loss, for my hope had gone. I cried for their loss, their struggle. I cried because I didn't know if I could ever love again. My heart crumbled into a million pieces.

Then he held me. He just sat with me and said nothing. I felt the warmth of friendship envelop us both.