“Stop, Ethic,” she whispered, as she lifted his face and stared him in the eyes. “I can’t take any more bad news. I can’t. It will be the thing that breaks me. So, whatever you are about to say, just please, I’m begging you; if you know it’s going to hurt me, just don’t say it.”

“Alani, it’s important…”

“Just get out!” she shouted, louder than she intended.

Ethic stood and backpedaled from the room, knowing he couldn’t tell her now. It wasn’t the right time. He would let her have some peace to mourn all she had lost. He checked in on his children, feeling guilty that they were tucked safely in their beds while everyone Alani loved was in peril. His mind was chaotic, his humanity challenged, and his spirit was destroyed. He wasn’t a bad man, but then again, maybe he was. His actions were speaking loudly, drowning out his intentions. No matter what he did, destruction followed him. He had to discharge some of this negativity that was choking him. He retreated to his room and changed clothes, before heading to the one place in his house where he could find peace.

18