~Recap~

“My parents were literally howling humans of these woods. Their skills of chasing the finest treasure and hunting the harmful creatures around was like a piece of pie for them. But, who knew that these animals weren't just some wild animals but literal, brutal monsters!”

A short pause took place as the lady regains her cool. “They were just exploring around the woods like usual when suddenly a trio of wolves surrounded them. They tried tracking them down as they used to but failed. Terribly failed…” Azura's voice breaks in between before she aggressively proceeds.

“They couldn't fight because their finest weapons were thrashed into finest pieces in minutes. That was the first time they got frightened by an animal. The first time they had to run. Run like cowards just for the sake of their lives!”

_______

Theo attempted to say something, anything. But because of the intense tension, no words could come to his mouth. He just kept looking down in a mixture of feelings.

Mixture of feelings because although he was sympathetic, sad and all for Azura, he still had his empathy for the animal killed in the woods. Well, one would wonder that even after all that, how could he feel that way?

Well, he for sure would have his own reasons, that he sooner or later would say.

“My parents weren't like that. Never did they ever fear anything. Let alone those swines of huskies! But that encounter changed everything for them.” Azura snarls in disgust, continuing from where she left on her own.

“They began living with terror. Every time they went out, their heart hitched. My Dad even had to forbid Mom to go out often because he was scared he'd lose her…”

The man somehow already assumed that the lady was going to rage again as she reached the conclusion.

And of course, she did. “And he lost her! In the end, he faced what he feared! And my mother. She couldn't bear living inside the four walls all her life which is why she went out despite the restrictions. Big my Dad, he still tried to adjust with that and tried his best to protect her because he himself didn't want that life. It was as if, either live like a prisoner or die!”

The silence once again takes place after the lady seemed to have vented out. A couple of minutes then passed on with none of the duo speaking a word.

This was the time Theo finally gathered all his strength to be able to speak. Or more like, stutter. “I… I don't really know if what to say. Or even if I do something then probably I don't know if how to say. Azura, whatever your parents went through. Especially what happened to your mom, is just so tormenting and I'm really sorry for that–”

“Sorry?" Interrupted Azura. “You're sorry and for what? Weren't you screaming your heart out for them?”

“Oh gosh! Again you're at it. Well, just to tell you, I will still stand for them because I'm not going to blame an entire species because of one's act.”

Azura's eyes flare in confusion. Theo sighs and softens his tone. “Look, Azura. As I already said, the ones who did such a thing to your mother, definitely deserve the hatred you have. But, you can't hold others accountable for their acts, no?”

“W-what are you trying to say?”

“Really? Maybe you hate them with passion. It seems that despite me being very clear, you're still very confused. Well, let me give an example. We are all humans, right? We are all different. Some are good, some are bad and some unfortunately happened to be worst.”

Now this makes Azura grasp the latter's message as she adds from her own side. “Not some. The majority. The most.”

“Or maybe just all of them including you, including me and even your beloved Daddy?”

“Theo!”

Judging by the fury in Azura's characteristics, she seemed ready to kill the man right there just the same way she did with that creature in the woods.

How would one react to such a situation? They'd probably freak out and back themselves off.

But instead, Theo simply releases a chuckle. Chuckle blended with slight mockery. “Why? Why the rage? Azura? Aren't all humans supposed to be the same? What makes your parents different?”

It doesn't take even a minute for all Azura's anger to fade away as her eyes go wide and mouth agapes.

She was stunned. Ashamed and now she can be definitely blamed. Blamed for deeds.

“But I won't do that.” Assures Theo.

“Do what?” Azura interrogates in perplexity.

Theo giggles as he adds further. “I can clearly see the guilt you feel on your face. But don't worry, I'm not going to call you out for it. Instead, I'm just gonna say it very simply. You felt bad because of some others' bad deeds, I blamed your loved ones? Right?”

Not able to think of any suitable word, Azura responded just by nodding. The man then flares a smile. “Then why blame every single wolf, as especially you said, husky. Why should we blame them all for something someone did in the past? And the worst thing, we can at least speak if something unfair is being happening with us but them?”

Azura could feel the unshed tears in her eyes. She was disgusted with her own self upon realising her acts. The worst part of it was, she could not even undo it.

“Not every human is meant for humanity. Just like that, not every animal is meant for brutality.”

Just as Theo said, she punished an innocent creature for one's fault.

“I am– I don't know… I did something extremely unforgivable. My anger ate me up. I lost my mind. I deserve punishment for this. Should I hurt myself or something–”

“Azura, hush…” Theo calms the lady's anxiety and sets her at ease. “You don't need to do any of that. You don't need a punishment. You realised your mistake and this is enough for the soul of that being to rest in peace. It knows that you're not a bad person. I know that you're not a bad person.”

Azura looks at Theo for a fine couple of minutes with teary eyes. Theo expected her to say something but he didn't expect her to hover onto him and hug tightly as if there was no tomorrow.