I didn't say it to be cute

Kellam's expression softened as Megara spoke, her words cutting through the layers of bitterness and grief that had built up over the years. When she reached out and squeezed his hand, he stiffened at first, but the warmth in her gesture and the sincerity in her voice began to chip away at his defenses. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—regret, sorrow, and a hint of something that might have been hope, though it was difficult for him to recognize it as such.

He listened in silence as Megara spoke of her own losses, the weight of her experiences mirroring his own in some ways. The mention of Ruth, of how his son had helped her through her darkest moments, stirred something deep within him. For so long, he had seen only the worst in Ruth, the reflection of his own failures and the shadow of Amara’s death. But hearing Megara’s perspective, the way she spoke of Ruth’s kindness and resilience, made him question whether he had been too blind to see those same qualities in his son.

Kellam swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. Amara’s heart... he repeated quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought that any part of his beloved wife could still live on in Ruth was both comforting and painful. He had never allowed himself to see Ruth as a continuation of Amara, perhaps because the pain of losing her had been too great. Or maybe, deep down, he had always seen it, and that was why he had been so harsh on Ruth—because every time he looked at him, he was reminded of what he had lost.

The silence between them stretched for a moment, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Kellam nodded slowly, his grip on the teacup tightening as he tried to steady himself. I’ve been a fool, Megara, he admitted, the words bitter on his tongue but necessary. I’ve spent so long blaming Ruth for things that were out of his control, and in doing so, I’ve pushed away the last piece of Amara that I had left.

He looked up at her, his eyes haunted but with a glimmer of determination. You’re right. The Path of Peace is no easy road. But I think... I think it’s time I started walking it, for both our sakes. I owe it to Amara, and I owe it to Ruth, to at least try. There was a deep sadness in his tone, but also a sense of resolve that hadn’t been there before. Though his mind was also wandering to wanting a drink, something he would probably give into as soon as he left Megara’s presence. As much as it hurt to hear Meg’s words, he was still too caught up in his own grief and madness of mind to embrace her words entirely, for now he simply has given the appearance of wanting to change.

@Megara Fern