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‘Wow,’ said Garovel. ‘I know this is an emotional moment in every father’s life, but, uh... you really, um... just... wow.’

The older Abbas scratched his cheek. ‘Ah... perhaps should I have picked a different memory...’

Garovel chortled. ‘First one that came to mind, huh?’

‘Indeed...’

‘He cried more than Raheem did that day,’ said Worwal. ‘Far more. It was very heartwarming, I thought. And perhaps a little pathetic, too.’

Abbas shot the reaper a look.

‘But there was also more going on in our lives than is made by this scene here,’ added Worwal. ‘It had been... a difficult few years.’

That piqued Hector’s curiosity--as well as his hesitation. ‘W-what do you mean?’

The vision paused, along with the younger Abbas’ wailing. Hector hadn’t intended to do that, but now that it was done, it seemed better to keep it that way.

Rather than answering the question, however, Worwal deferred to his servant.

Abbas looked over his captive audience, and for a very strange moment, Hector felt like he could see exactly how old Abbas truly was. That expression on the man’s face didn’t change much at all, and yet there was still something in his eyes--a tiredness, perhaps--that spoke of many feelings all at once.

Hector had never witnessed the like before. And it made Hector hang on to every word that Abbas was about to say.

‘There were many reasons why I... fell apart like this. When I was young--even younger than here, I mean--I never thought much of having children. Of carrying on my family line. I partook in many different hobbies, you see. Many personal interests. And social interaction was... decidedly NOT one such area, to say the least.’

Hector was suddenly trying hard not to relate too much. And failing.

‘My reclusive nature caused friction between me and... well, my parents, of course. But also my entire family. Worwal here, included.’

The reaper gave an acknowledging nod.

‘I was neglecting my responsibility, they said. And they were right. As a man of Hahl Saqqaf, I had a duty to carry on my bloodline. But I also had eight brothers. All of whom were much more sociable than I. All of whom seemed to be doing just fine in carrying on our family’s legacy. And I think my parents probably thought the same, deep down. We all had our quirks. This was just one of mine. They could let it slide. And so this continued on for many years.’

Oh, man. Hector had a dreadful feeling that he knew where this was going.