Azriel

Azriel dropped the letter with shaking hands, the paper drifting through the air to eventually rest on the floor. She held his precious last gift tight in her arms as she rocked back and forth. A broken sob escaped her as she wrestled with an onslaught of emotions. She had just seen him, hugged him, laughed with him. Why... why was he gone? How could such a good person be taken so soon? Their last meeting wasn't supposed to be the last time they would see each other. They were supposed to laugh together again, to hug each other again, to be together again. He wasn't supposed to leave her. More broken sobs followed the first as tears flowed down her cheeks. She didn't bother to wipe them away, they would be replaced soon anyways. She couldn't help but sit there wondering if he was looking down upon her, continuing to protect her. She fought to get out words, but she could do it, for him. "I love you Absy. Thank you for being such a wonderful brother to me. You and the memories we made together will stay forever in my heart." She paused for a moment, letting the truth of the next part set in, before continuing on. "My heart may be broken, and it certainly isn't perfect, but a large part of it belongs to you." She knew she would never forget about him, but there was a heavy weight on her shoulders. Sheo has been missing for decades, she barely speaks to Aech anymore, Eugeo is always busy, and Lucius is always almost dying. She had just lost the closest, and most important person to her. How could she carry on alone? Who was going to protect her and support her? Who was going to love her in the way only the best of older brothers can? How could she carry on without her brother? How could she live alone? Eventually, when she had no more tears to cry, she weakly got up with a fiery resolve in her eyes. She would protect Elysium, and herself, just like Absolon. She was going to make her brother proud. For now however, she needed time. Time to process, and time to plan, but most importantly, time to both remember and grieve. She took a deep breath, hugging herself tight. "Goodnight brother. You can rest now."