The Devil's Death

Chapter Eighteen:Blissful Ignorance

"Aldwyn's gone?" his tone was sad as he slowly licked at the ice cream, almost as though he was deeply wounded by my news.

I hummed down at him, trying to show some compassion. Michael was lonely in the home but he appeared to always look upto Aldwyn.

I inhaled, looking around the vast park. "I plan to bring your brother home but... Right now well."

I glanced down at his confused expression before continuing.
"I figured he could use time alone... and we could use time to plan ways to help him feel better when he comes back."

Michael wobbled on the park bench beside me.
"I think we should take him to a museum!"

I laughed "What kind of museum?"

Michael nodded his head for a moment, lost in a trance like state.
"I think a history museum. He likes politics so... Maybe a place that shows important political information."

I nodded at him, acknowledging his ideas.
"Not bad at all. I think your big brother would love that very much."

Michael giggled in his seat squirming excitedly.

I blinked around the busy park once more before noticing the dark hunched over man approaching at snail pace.

My old man looked like a shadow in the sun, curled over wearing a hat and walking as if he was on his last legs.
On glancing up at us though a warm smile stretched onto his face.

"There you both are!"
Michael gasped jumping out of his seat.
"Grandpa!"
My old man awkwardly reached down and wrapped him up in his arms.
He chuckled excitedly admiring my boy.
"Haven't you gotten so big!"

Michael giggled "Yeah!"
I crossed my arms raising a brow at the old man.

" Dad, where are your guards? "
He pouted in response waving me off.
" Aw come on. Who cares about this old man. I'm on my last legs anyway. If I drop dead tomorrow it wouldn't make a difference if I got assassinated or tripped and hit my head!"

I chuckled feeling anxious, I looked up at Rayus who was stood by like a vision of death further behind us.
I waved him over and called out to him.
" Can you take Mike over to the Climbing frames a second. I gotta have a quick word with dad. "

Rayus nodded, wearing a smile.

"Sure sir." he followed after Michael loyally.

I let out a huff watching them walk away together.
"I don't know how you do it. Looking at life like that. I feel like the older I'm getting all I can focus on is... If the next day will come or not. Hell. I didn't think about it back then but.... He's so much younger than me, he makes me feel ten times my age."

Dad carefully rested his hand over my wrist as if to stop me.
" I think you're missing the point there, son. Life is too short for all the worrying."

He inhaled softly looking back at Michael." You spend the early half trying to survive and the latter half praying death stays away another day. I should remind you though... Life's scary but it needs living. It's a more fulfilling one, if you can face your daily fears, as though they were nothing. Cause when the real thing comes... Ooh boy. Maybe being brave every day will teach us to bear it. Up until then though, you gotta focus on the little man. He needs you to be the best role model possible. "

I chuckled watching Rayus throw a tantrum as Michael refused to leave the climbing frame.

I sighed out.
" I should go spend time with him huh? "
Dad nodded at me smiling" Sure. You can give me a ride home and then we can talk about your other little issue. "